Introspective at eventide…..

The evening was sublime yesterday and inspired me to write a short verse. I woke up this morning thinking of this sublime song and another one, too, but I think I will touch on that some other day. This one is by Krishna Adeeb & is rendered by the vocalist whose ghazal gayaki skills are truly non pareil: Mehdi Hassan . Check it out. https://youtu.be/nMjkgjfNvpQ?si=aMKJ9aBrs_XOige6

A very short ghazal, just 4 ash’aar; extremely meaningful and the combination of the verse and the divine vocals invoking a sense of longing, of introspection, even of solitude.
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जब भी आती है तेरी याद कभी शाम के बाद
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कृष्ण अदीब
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जब भी आती है तेरी याद कभी शाम के बाद ,
और बढ़ जाती है अफ़्सुर्दा-दिली शाम के बाद
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अब इरादों पे भरोसा है न तौबा पे यक़ीं
मुझ को ले जाए कहाँ तिश्ना-लबी शाम के बाद
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यूँ तो हर लम्हा तेरी याद का बोझल गुज़रा
दिल को महसूस हुई तेरी कमी शाम के बाद
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यूँ तो कुछ शाम से पहले भी उदासी थी ‘अदीब’
अब तो कुछ और बढ़ी दिल की लगी शाम के बाद
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अफ़्सुर्दा-दिली: melancholic heart,
तिश्ना-लबी: प्यासे होंठ, thirsting lips
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The same ghazal has been rendered by my favourite Bharatiya ghazal singer, Jagjit Singh ( never was a man more aptly named at birth nor was a better name taken for professional purposes). The treatment is so very refreshingly different. The instrumentation and vocal aspects truly set him apart in a unique class of one. Little wonder he is the one name who sold the maximum albums worldwide amongst all performers in his own name, Bollywood music included!
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Check it out. So soothing and soulful. https://youtu.be/CevScas06ys?si=avAnRDMiJG5OsbS_

I go virtually into a trance every single time listening to Jagjit ji. Check out both and let me know your feelings.
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Have a wonderful weekend, folks. The heat is well and truly on, and we are regularly touching high 30s. Stay safe, hydrated and healthy