Now, on the fourth leg of this amazing journey, Coke Studio returns to reveal an ever-widening range of musical influences and styles, enhancing our perceptions and enriching our relationships with Music. Coke Studio’s first episode of the season reveals an interesting cross-section of musical diversity in Pakistan – presenting fresh interpretations of contemporary songs as well as timeless classics.
Coke Studio draws audiences in with “To Kia Hua” by Bilal Khan. This deceptively simple melody undergoes a metamorphosis at Coke Studio, adapting smoothly to the Eastern groove provided by veteran House Band percussionist, Babar Ali Khanna on dholak. In a musical spiral of self-generating hope and optimism Bilal’s mellow voice rides gently on an undulating swell of rhythmic acoustic guitars, persuasively insisting that there is always a silver lining!
The Episode gains momentum with Mizraab’s exhilarating “Kuch Hai”, replete with classic rock elements that have been fused at Coke Studio with a distinct Eastern flavor.“Kuch Hai” features Faraz Anwar’s heavy acoustic guitar riffs, matched by equally powerful alaaps or vocal interludes from qawwal Mannan and is richly embellished by Coke Studio backing-vocalists, Zoe and Rachel. The compelling punch of the darbuka, played by Mizraab percussionist Nasir Ahmed, amplifies the theatrical impact of the interplay to make for a truly enthralling experience.
In a breath-taking change of direction, Coke Studio then unleashes a captivating collaboration - Balochi folk legend Akhtar Channal Zahri and contemporary pop songstress Komal Rizvi together in, “Daanah pe Daanah”. Originally written and composed by Zahri himself, the song fondly sings the praises of the province he hails from. Presenting an unconventional alliance, this Coke Studio rendition of the popular folk song fuses with Sindhi Sufic classic ‘Lal Meri Path’, taking both well-loved anthems to a new level. Reborn against the backdrop of a modern funk groove the song becomes a symbolic celebration of diversity.
Coke Studio then follows up with eclectic hybrid “Ik Aarzu” - an exciting amalgamation of a brand new Jal original and two timeless classics, “Dum Must Qalandar” and “Tere Ishq Nachaya”. Jal’s simple lyrics intertwine with heavy Sufic verses in this ambitious musical reconstruction of old and new. Seamlessly blending modern pop with traditional tunes, Gohar Mumtaz and Farhan Saeed team up with the House Band to produce a sound that is recognizably Jal yet unmistakably Coke Studio.
Finally for a fitting climax to the opening celebrations, Coke Studio concludes Episode 1 with ‘Sighra Aaween Saanwal Yaar’, the first of its classical numbers this season. Sanam Marvi renders this song in raag Malkauns, and as is the norm with classical music the song goes through various phases of expression. Marvi uses her powerful vocals to render the song atop the bluesy backdrop created by the House Band, and conveys her love for God in the words of Sachal Sarmast and Sultan Bahu.
Following where inspiration leads, Coke Studio continues its journey, fulfilling with each episode the promise to reveal unique musical elements from the entire region.
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