Coke Studio – The great gig in the sky

The great gig in the sky

Coke Studio returns to our screens again with its second season tonight. The playing bill for the first episode is explosive. With performances from Saieen Zahoor, Atif Aslam, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Javed Bashir, Noori, Zeb and Haniya, it is a celebration of Pakistani music, an exploration of the sound of the soil and true fusion to remember for years to come. Instep takes a close look at the first episode… By Maheen Sabeeh ‘Aik Alif’ – Saieen Zahoor and Noori Saieen Zahoor is magnificent and so are Noori. They are diverse and completely different from each other as artists, and it is this distinctiveness that gives this collaboration such a razor sharp edge. The poetry hails from Baba Bulley Shah and it speaks of looking within for answers, not outside. And breathing musical life in this poetry is this fusion. Ali Hamza picks up the banjo while Ali Noor stays true to his guitar and Saieen Zahoor weaves mystical magic with his thunderous, hypnotic voice. Brothers Ali Noor and Ali Hamza have given countless hits but never before have we seen them in such spirit. This is Noori experimenting with Coke Studio and it works. Its breezy like fresh air. Excellent stuff. “Can you imagine what this will be like when young Noori fans see them with Saieen Zahoor?” asks Rohail Hyatt. “Because Noori are cool and they are singing with Saieen, suddenly Saieen will become cool to some who do not know him at all,” Rohail points out. Noori are not just about rock ‘n’ roll…

and Saieen Zahoor can play with the best of them. This collaboration, is therefore, a must for all. ‘Paimona’ – Zeb and Haniya featuring Sadiq Sameer It may be in Pashto/Darri but this is one of the most beautiful songs we’ve ever heard. For two young players in the industry, Zeb and Haniya have managed to charm everyone with their talent, and at Coke Studio, they do so with exceptional style and command. ‘Paimona’ is not only haunting and soft but adding more flavour to the song is the addition of Sadiq Sameer on the Iranian rubab, a string instrument that instantly reminds one of Pakistan’s Northern provinces, green hills and the valleys. Sadiq hails from Peshawar and was brought in by Zeb and Haniya to Coke Studio. And his inclusion in the song has definitely given it a more majestic feel. “With everything that is happening in Swat, this song, its feel… it hits close to home. Its good to include this sound too,” says Rohail Hyatt. It is a befitting tribute in these tremulous times. ‘Aj Latha Naeeo’ – Javed Bashir We know him mostly as the singer for Mekaal Hasan Band but this year he is one of the Eastern voices to watch out for. In the opening episode of Coke Studio, this rendition of ‘Aj Latha Naeeo’ only amplifies this fact. “What this man… Javed Bashir… can do, no one else can do it,” says Rohail Hyatt, as we discuss this tune. ‘Aj Latha Naeeo’ was sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and while Javed is certainly no Nusrat, he is indeed a voice that can be fiery and somber in equal grace. He does it like a pro because he is one. And at Coke Studio, the individual that is Javed Bashir shines out. Khamaaj’ – Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan One of the most distinguished voices in the music industry, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan makes a spectacular debut at Coke Studio this year. Taking the original form of the raag that is khamaaj, the song has been stripped, ripped inside the studio and re-created. The result remains a version that will, in all likelihood, become a favourite in the coming months. Slower, moodier and grabbing, it is truly stunning. “It might not be a version that some will like. But it is closer to the form,” says Rohail Hyatt. ‘Khamaaj’ remains one of the big hits of modern music in Pakistan but at Coke Studio, the regal depth of this song is explored and who better than Shafqat himself doing the honours?

‘Jalpari’ – Atif Aslam Another debut at Coke Studio this year includes superstar singer Atif Aslam. He may be known for his fiery and electrifying stage performances and is considered a huge icon but at Coke Studio, it’s his voice that takes precedence over everything else. Picking up the title track of his debut album, Atif rolls with the music like a complete sport and has fun to boot. The song is ‘Jalpari’, a super popular tune already but never before has Atif sounded this groovy and earthy. And this is experimentation again at its peak. Atif begins with ‘Jalpari’ and lands in a Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan song (that we will not reveal) and he does it with a natural comfort. “There is definitely something about that voice…” Rohail Hyatt trails off when we speak of Atif. Indeed, there is something to that voice…

Source: INSTEP Magzine