An Ode to Memories

Kolkata-based musician Tajdar Junaids debut album reflects his musical influences

At various times over the years,Tajdar Junaid has been associated with rock bands,film soundtracks,music for theatre productions and Ruhaniyat,a band that focussed on folk music from West Bengal. Earlier,a fair amount of this music consisted of covers and only the occasional original composition,but as most do,the Kolkata-based musician eventually grew weary of this format.

That inner change was much needed as there was (and still is) a deep desire to grow as a musician. I decided to call it quits three years ago and stopped playing regular gigs with cover bands, he says. Although what followed immediately was the formation of Ruhaniyat,Junaid was also simultaneously playing with various other musicians and garnering interesting experiences. These experiences are now expressed in the form of a 10-track album,What Colour Is Your Raindrop,which released on August 17.

One can tell at first listen that the album reflects these various experiences and influences. For instance,the entirely instrumental The first year; Ekta golpo,a Bengali song featuring Satyaki Banerjee,Diptanshu Roy and Anusheh Anadil,which is folksy for the most part; Mockingbird,which features vocals by US-based musician Greg Johnson; and the acoustic Though I know.

Consequently,its virtually impossible to slot the album into one genre,but Junaid isnt concerned. The album is an honest portrayal of all that has shaped me over these years. I dont think of genres when I compose music,but of things that affect me as an artiste, says Junaid,who lists Ustad Ali Akbar Khan,The Beatles,blues music and Frédéric François Chopin as his primary influences.

The album is available online on platforms such iTunes,OKListen!,Amazon,CD Baby or his own website,www.tajdarjunaid.com for free downloads. Junaid also plans to tour with the album soon.

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An Ode to Memories

Kolkata-based musician Tajdar Junaids debut album reflects his musical influences

Kolkata-based musician Tajdar Junaids debut album reflects his musical influences