Date:07/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/07/stories/2006010700790200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bengali music today

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Levi's Rock Baji is presenting folk music by Bhoomi, and experimental Bengali modern songs by the versatile Lopamudra at the Ambedkar Bhavan here on Saturday. Bhoomi and Lopamudra are popular and are known to cut across generation barriers with their music. Bhoomi, a leading band from Bengal, was set up in 1999. The band brings original and simple lyrics and lilting melodies. The band's sound is considered fresh.

Bhoomi uses a wide range of instruments, including the thumbas, bongos, dotara, djembe, drums, violin, flute, mandolin, banjo, khamak, matka, handi, guitar, castanets, tambourine, kanshar ghanta, conch, resso, blues harp, pan flute, spring drum, steel drum, harmonium, ektara, tabla and dugdugu.

Lopamudra has experimented in Bengali modern songs and found herself comfortable in reciting songs based on poems of Bengali poets. The work she has to her credit is HMV's Bhitar Ghare Bristi in which all her songs carry deep emotional appeal.