Na Raindee Hai by Arieb Azhar
Ramooz-e-Ishiq by Abida Parveen
Alif Allah by Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi
Yaadein by Karavan
Bibi Sanam by Zeb and Haniya
With the airing of our first episode on 06 June 2010, the Coke Studio journey picks up again. In the third season, the underlying theme is to discover the intricacies of the process of creation and evolution, and how it culminates in the realization of dreams and goals. The first episode centers on the reason for being — the reason behind embarking on any venture. That reason has range is taken into account as well: it can simply be ambition, an unrequited desire, devotion to a higher form, subliminal or overt. 'Reason' presents three Sufic pieces, each rendered in a different style, and two melodious pop-funk numbers.
The first season opens with Arieb Azhar's recital of a twelfth century kalam penned by mystic Baba Bulleh Shah. 'Na Raindee Hai' with its lounge feel is an attempt to revive the tradition of poetry recitation. Sufic legacy is carried forth in the second track of the episode by none other than the iconic Abida Parveen with a kalam by Hazrat Baidam Shah Warsi titled 'Ramooz-e-Ishq'. Translated into Urdu, the performance has the both the Eastern and Western house band members involved yet very subtly. Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi collaborate and surprise one and all with the chemistry between them in 'Alif Allah Chambay Di Booty'. The song is folksy yet funky, traditional yet modern – perfect fusion of two distinct identities. Musically, it retains its traditional rhythm but revamped with contemporary instruments. Breaking the Sufic line-up is Karavan, Pakistan’s premier and pioneering rockers. They deliver a melodious pop number ‘Yaadein’ with Omran Shafique joining them on the guitar Javed Iqbal on the violin and Jaffer Ali Zaidi on the keyboard. The last performancen the episode is Zeb & Haniya surprising us with another Dari track this season, 'Bibi Sanam Janem'. The house band goes into retro mode and gives a groovy-funky syncopation.
The first episode also introduces some new artiststhis season: Sanam Saeed and Zoe Viccaji as backing vocalists, and Sikandar Mufti as multi-percussionist. Meanwhile, guest musician and rubab virtuoso Sadiq Sameer lends his sound too.
It is a highly-charged, highly-intense session of Coke Studio 2010 indeed. 'Reason' is just the first step this season to once again explore the depths of music. Do join us in the next episode of Coke Studio as we continue to diversify. We would like to thank you for being a part of Coke Studio this fortnight!
click here to see where to watch or .
Ready to Watch Coke Studio, Season 3, Episode 1?