Dor is one of those albums that requires a good sense of music and a refined outlook. It is one of the best works of composers Salim-Suleiman till date. Director Nagesh Kukoonoor's heightened sensibility clearly reflects in the choice of Rustic Sound for this particular album. It has a brilliant track Expressions of Love composed by Rhythm God Trilok Gurtu while there are two more songs Piya Ghar Aaya and Allah Hoo Allah Hoo that have been composed by someone else. And it's not specified who the actual composer is. As for Salim-Suleiman, then Yeh Honsla, Imaan Ka Asar, Kesariya Balam (A folk song given a new lease of life) and Dor Theme are masterstrokes that the composer duo should be proud of. On the whole, Dor is a brilliant album, but you should buy it if only you are a connoisseur and have a good taste for quality music. If you want frivolous stuff then there are lots of other options.
Seeped in the rustic ambience of the country, Yeh Honsla is an inspirational song inspired by the desert music of Rajasthan. Hauntingly sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan with Salim Merchant backing up well, it's the kind of track that grows on you with time. Yeh Honsla Kaise Khule, Yeh Arzoo Kaise Ruke..Lyrics by Mir Ali Husain paints a picture of poignance. Here I must give credit to director Nagesh Kukoonoor for although he thinks in English, but still he has got a surprisingly brilliant grasp of what he wants both in music as well as words. Although the song is embedded in rural flavour, yet the mind-boggling variety in terms of Flute pieces, impressions of Piano in the background merging fabulously with a laidback rhythm pattern comprising of Dhapli, ektara is a soothing experience. The predominant usage of chorus singing at various junctures is another highlight of Yeh Honsla. Enjoy the camel ride through a cool moonlit night through the deserts.
The sad version of Yeh Honsla begins with magical flute piece touching the lowest of notes. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan in his touching voice wafts on top of a carpet of strings and flute. It's a short version, but still leaves an impact in the deepest corners of human sensibilities.
Jalti Dhoop Mein Halki Hava Chal Gayi..Mila Bharosa Yaar Ka..Jaan Phir Sambhal Gayi.Pristine notes of Santoor unwraps Imaan Ka Asar as a transcending melody like the ebullient country river treads with care. Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal harmonise together as if they are two birds flying in a pattern complimentary to each other. The tabla is in hurry to impress.It's happy with a play of fingers on its temples. The rhythm pattern has a few drum rolls that heighten the impact of the Honest emotions. Acoustic guitar strumming, Sitar solo and Santoor fillers makes Imaan Ka Asar a brilliant composition. Maybe, one need not be too loud to be impressive. Subtlety is very much in vogue.
`Kesariya Balam' sung by Karsan Sagathiya is a Rajasthani folk song that has been sung by a folk singer in an album `Manjeere' compiled by Shantanu Moitra. It goes without saying that it must have been sung for lots of years now. Here it carries the rough edges associated with live singing by passionate amateurs. But the music arrangements are brilliant. The deep bassy sarangi, the gut-wrenching flute pieces, the ever-winding rural percussion instruments and the return of that Sarangi once again. With chorus singers working their vocal chords overtime at a distance (Mixed very well) and a perfect strings arrangements, makes this a wonderful experience.
Nagesh Kukoonoor had a breathtaking theme music in `Iqbal' that gave me goose-pimples. He now has a Dor Theme that is a minute and a half long and has the same goose-pimple effect. The inflections of Flute and Piano with string