Kiran Ahluwalia

World | Jun 2005

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2005-07-29
KIRAN AHLUWALIA – “Kiran Ahluwalia”
Triloka, 2005

INDIA/CANADA – Kiran is a Punjabi singer/tanpura player from Toronto with a gorgeous voice. She combines Punjabi folk songs with some fantastic modern ghazals & nazms written by Toronto-based poets, for which she has written the music. Absolutely beautiful stuff, with an extra twist when Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster sits in on tracks 3 & 4! Don’t be intimidated if you find Indian vocal styles harsh or unfamiliar, this music is very easy on the ears. Compelling, lovely, often sexy: easily recommended.

FO’S PICKS: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9

1. 5:45 – midtempo ghazal, perky tabla & pretty melody, about a crush
2. 5:30 – slow ghazal, sensuous yet folksy sound, about life’s journey
3. 4:20 – upbeat Punjabi folksong with a Celtic air, puts a smile on your face
4. 3:50 – slow nazm, low & mysterious, tender break midway through
5. 4:58 – upbeat folksong: strong rhythm, trilling melodies
6. 6:20 – slow, dragging ghazal, full of longing; nice instrumental breaks
7. 5:40 – a cappella intro, upbeat folk bounce w/ cute flute & harmonium
8. 5:26 – relaxed ghazal, flowing melody, a bit melancholy
9. 4:20 – midtempo folksong, happy & catchy with lots of percussion
10. 8:59 – slow nazm, long intro w/striking vocal & sarangi over quiet drone

[Fo] – July 2005

Recent airplay

Kina Nere
No Cover, No MinimumJul 22, 2011
Meri Gori Gori
No Cover, No MinimumJan 15, 2010
Jhanjra
At the Cafe BohemianNov 13, 2007
Jhanjra
At the Cafe BohemianDec 27, 2005
Jhanjra
At the Cafe BohemianSep 27, 2005
Awara
No Cover, No MinimumSep 23, 2005

Charting

2005-07-31 — 2005-10-02 Reggae/World
Week EndingAirplays
Oct 2 1
Sep 25 2
Sep 18 1
Sep 11 2
Sep 4 1
Aug 28 4
Aug 21 4
Aug 14 3

Track listing

1. Vo Kuch
2. Yeh Nahin
3. Jhanjra
4. Rabh Da Roop
5. Koka
6. Yaar
7. Ik Ranjha
8. Kina Nere
9. Meri Gori Gori
10. Awara