 When an album goes by the name of 'Ustad Sultan Khan & Friends', one expects an album that would feature the singer along with some other established and newcomer singers sharing a song or two with the legend. What one understands on checking out the album is that fact this is mainly a launch pad of singer/composer Suhel Khan who has recently being making waves for his hit number 'In Dino' from the film LIFE IN A...METRO that is blazing all over the town.
While the album has music by Suhel who also sings each of the 10 tracks in the film, Ustad Sultan Khan is mainly heard in 2 tracks with other singers coming with a song apiece for the remaining tracks. Lyrics are written by Jameel Mujahid except for 3 tracks.
It's a semi-classical setting for 'Yaad Piya Ki Aayi' that is a lovely duet between Ustad Sultan Khan and Sadhna Sargam. 'Sitar' is the instrument that makes is present most in this track that is enjoyed most in isolation. Completely based on Indian music, melody and rhythm with no Western influences, it is a soulful hear that also has Suhel Khan making his presence felt as he appears once Ustad Sultan Khan has set the ground for him.
'Lounge Mix' version of the track appears at the end of the album and has both Suhel Khan and Ustad Sultan Khan sharing the same platform to come together at the very beginning. With minimal instruments at the background and Sadhna Sargam coming at just the right moments in the song, this one turns out to be even better version that the original.
Shreya Ghoshal replaces Sadhna Sargam in 'Jhanki Laagi Chhaon Ki' that has a North Indian folk feel to it. A track which is reminiscent of the kind of music that was heard in Rajshri films from the late 70s/early 80s [remember NADIYA KE PAAR?], it is pure, unadulterated and based completely on Indian music and instruments. Even singing by the lead singers, Ustad Sultan Khan, Suhel Khan and Shreya Ghoshal, is unadulterated here that just doesn't leave any scope for interruptions of any kind as the three render this track with their heart in.
In 'Maula', Suhel Khan is the only male lead as he is surrounded by Sadhna Sargam and Shreya Ghoshal. A 'qawalli' in appreciation of thw almighty, 'Maula' is rhythmic and instantly catchy. What impresses most is the presence of the female singers in the song who bring a certain fizz to the proceedings that make it better sounding than the routine tracks belonging to this genre.
The same team comes together for 'Maahi' where Suhel Khan shares the stage with Sadhna Sargam and Shreya Ghoshal. A tune that would be recognized for its simplisitic approach with a laidback tune taking the song forward, it is again immersed in the feel of 70s and 80s though one is shocked to an extent as Suhel suddenly decides to render a few words in English. Just not required!
Bhupinder Singh and Mitali Singh lend support for 'Jaane Kyon' from which one expects a bona fide ghazal to be making an appearance next. Thankfully the listener gets what he/she was looking for as the two veterans prove their worth once again with a track that relies most on melody and boasts of some meaningful lyrics. Suhel Khan, as in all the tracks of the album, makes an appearance too and justifies his presence.
First solo of the album comes in the form of 'Usne Hamein Phir Yaad Kiya Hai' that is the only solo track by Suhel Khan with music by Ustad Rais Khan. Written by Muztar Indori, the song is yet another 'ghazal' in the track that would be known for the kind of depth Suhel brings in his vocals. If one recognized his boyish charm in 'In Dino' [Metro], it would be worth your time to hear him croon a 'ghazal' in an alto
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