Monsoons in India, a cup of masala tea and curled up in the window box watching the rain land gently on rooftops and trickle down the sides of the window. That delight, seized and bottled, is the album “Simply Love”.

A week ago, when Vaishnavi approached me to listen to her songs and give my impressions, I knew little about her or her art. Today, while there are a myriad questions flitting through my brain, I feel connected to the rasa in her music. Love, is a good enough word to summate the gamut of emotions Vaishnavi explores in her songs, but the perfect word would be yearning. This emotion is beyond love or even obsession, it is perfect in all its glorious nuances and yet, so much is unsaid and unfulfilled. Hearing her sweet voice deliver these desires has indeed left me hankering for more. 

I asked Vaishnavi to tell me a bit about the album and herself, she said “I am not very good at talking (about myself)”, and yet, her humility spoke volumes. Vaishnavi feels deeply and lives fully. Her exuberant demeanor hides a side of her that is able to render music with deep pathos. In Mora Saiyan you can hear that tremor of longing, where the river becomes the loss that causes the angst of separation. Vaishnavi’s notes run clear and crisp as they meander through the emotional deluge!  What an amazing transformation of a traditional Thumri and the raaga (Des) itself suggesting home,  alludes to this longing for union and the celebration of that union. The mature vocals of Vaishnavi’s guru, Smt. Sangita Lahiri add to this feeling of reaching your destination, a fruition of dreams. Vaishnavi has called this piece “My Beloved”, but I feel it is her journey.

As I continue on the path Vaishnavi has laid out, I encounter Sanware, a sweet, sweet expression of longing. The playful tones and the airy notes of the flute portrays innocent craving and brings to mind carefree passion that seems to kiss the dancing hem of youthful exuberance. This feeling is carried into Sakhiya Re, with a touch of despondence. As the imagery (and the vocals) suggest nostalgic moments and a desire that fickle cupid’s arrow find its mark, somehow. Again, Smt. Lahiri’s voice adds that feeling of Deja Vu to this song and in the ripples of the melody, you can see the past, the present and the future all at once. In an eloquent twist, we are offered Maula, in the guru’s voice. “I couldn’t do justice to it” said Vaishnavi when I asked her why she decided to not sing this song. Amidst the innocent longing is this ripe entreaty that brings in subtle spirituality to the album. Beautiful as it is, I would love to see what Vaishnavi can bring to this song with her honey tones.

From Sufi music to a modern take on a ghazal, Vaishnavi waltzes through a repertoire with effervescent skill. Aye na, a lilting song takes you to that moment of watching rain where you want to tell your beloved about the one drop that landed on your eyelash as you stuck your head out, but turn to see that there is no one around. The song ends with a soulful call, which is picked up and celebrated in Mere Piya Ki Bahen. A playful song that celebrates love in all its innocence and glory. Vaishnavi could not resist adding words that tug at her heartstrings. Her mother tongue, Telugu, features in a short phrase which is punctuated by the joy and excitement in Vaishnavi’s voice. 

Vaishnavi classified her album as Indi Pop. I feel that the music has risen above Indi Pop. Instruments that over-power this genre have been replaced by vocal melody that holds the music together. Kudos to the music director, Debasish Bhattacharjee, who was able to channel Vaishnavi’s strengths so beautifully into his creative process and bring out a truly mesmerising album. 

Words are the other aspect of this gem that shine through with their simplicity and grace. Devashish Chainani has written accessible and elegant poetry that complements both the music and the vocals well. The vocal support from Anis Ali Sabri & Dhaani give this album just enough oomph without overpowering it, as do the lilting notes of Jai Gandhi’s flute and Ravi Chary’s sitar. The sarangi by Sandeep Mishra and sarod by Pritam Ghoshal were special treats. In a world where most melodies are created on the keyboard, hearing the actual instrument is a wonderful rarity. Indranath Mukherjee, Praful Athalye, and Shankar Nandi proved to be the perfect accompanists, whose percussions gave muted yet strong support to the melody.  Vaishnavi has put together a great team of musicians who complement each other so well. The team includes sound engineers Rahul & Anupam and her loving and supportive spouse, Robin Mathews who produced the album.

Vaishnavi’s many gurus, including Shri Neti Sri Rama Sarma, Smt. Sangita Lahiri and her mother Mrs Annapurna must all be so proud of the incredible performer and the melodious singer Vaishnavi is today. I was blown away by her voice, which melts like candy and leaves a warm and fuzzy feeling. Simply Love is an experience you must not miss. New England needs to hear more of her dulcet voice. I am honored to be the first to give my impressions on this album and wish Vaishnavi Kondapalli the best.

Vaishnavi’s website  www.vaishnavimusic.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vaishnavimathews