Breathing Raga by Niloy Ahsan

"★★★★★ One of South Asia's most stunning musical traditions is in very good hands." - Songlines Magazine

"Indian classical vocalist Niloy Ahsan delivers a remarkable feat of technical and emotive virtuosity on Breathing Raga (Worlds Within Worlds), performing a flawless rendition of the raga Bhairav, a composition evoking the hazy tranquillity of sunrise." - The Guardian

Niloy Ahsan is one of the foremost Dhrupad vocalists of his generation, having studied under tutelage of the renowned Gundecha Brothers and Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar.

As part of the illustrious Dagar lineage, which spans 21 generations with roots tracing back to Swami Haridas in the 15th century, Niloy is a master of the Alap - characterized by a sophisticated, subtle, and serene presentation that meticulously explores the microtonal nuances, delicately unveiling the intricacies of the raga - elements often overlooked or lost in other musical forms.

On Breathing Raga, Niloy offers a rendition of Raag Bhairav, an early morning Raag known for its immense aesthetic depth, its sound symbolizing the drowsy, wandering state of early morning around sunrise.

The single Bhairav (Bandish) is a composition with a deep legacy in the Dagar lineage, having been sung or recorded by all the senior maestros of the Gharana. Set to a 10-beat rhythmic cycle known as Sadra, it encapsulates the essence of Lord Shiva. The theme of the composition revolves around the description of Lord Shiva, reflecting upon the infinite nature of existence, as the word "Shiva" signifies 'That which is not.'

“Music holds profound importance in my life,” explains Niloy. “It allows me to authentically and genuinely convey my deepest experiences as I sing. As a human being, I find that I can express myself most effectively through music, surpassing the limitations of speaking or writing, or any other medium.”

“Singing, to me, serves as a powerful method of maintaining health, activity, consciousness, and strength in life. In particular, my discipline of music, Dhrupad, encourages deep breath control while singing, ensuring that the entire body is engaged in the act of exhaling or vocalizing. This practice consciously activates all singing registers, spanning from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, making it a profound yogic experience for me.”

“Moreover, music serves as a conduit for exploring profound questions about life, the universe, and my personal emotions. It allows me to delve into the intricate layers of emotions, associating myself with different feelings and expressions. Witnessing these deep-seated emotions materialize into sound brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, music isn't just a part of my life—it is life itself. It defines who I am and encapsulates my essence.”

Niloy's family originated from the village of Gouripur in what was once East Bengal (now Bangladesh), once a renowned center for Indian classical music. This vibrant hub nurtured legendary maestros such as Ustad Allauddin Khan, Ustad Inayat Khan, Ustad Dabir Khan, Pandit Birendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury, and many more, who either resided there or frequented its musical circles. His father inherited his musical legacy from this rich milieu and remains a skilled vocalist to this day.

The album is named Breathing Raga for the Dhrupad style, which, despite being revered as one of the oldest musical forms in India, remains remarkably contemporary due to its focus on breathing. Breath, inherently tied to the present moment, infuses Dhrupad with a timeless quality, perpetually rooted in the 'Now'.

Breathing Raga establishes Niloy Ahsan as one of the leading Dhrupad musicians of his generation, and stands as a testament to the depth and intricacy of the tradition. This sublime rendition of Bhairav is sure to be enjoyed by lovers of introspective music the world over.