July 6th, 2009: The July tribute series to Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, ep 1

One show isn't enough to pay tribute to a legend of the stature of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, so we dedicate this month of July in his honour. Each week we'll bring you at least one of his pieces, as well as talk about different aspects of his life and career.

Tonight we started the show with an old All India Radio archival recording of his, which you might not have been able to hear too clearly. However, these are special pieces and we're lucky to have them, so it wouldn't be fair to not play them. This was followed by a piece by the Ustad's father, Ustad Allauddin Khan, another Sarod legend and the Ustad's guru.

1. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan - Raag Bhimpalasi (All India Radio archives)

2. Ustad Allauddin Khan - Raag Alhaiya Bilawal (Baba's Melody: Vol. 4 )

Here are the recordings of tonight's show, as usual in two 30-minute files:

Part 1: 8 - 8.30 p.m.

Part 2: 8.30 - 9 p.m.

Tune in again next week for music by the legend who was fondly called Khansahib.

Karan Mehra

Gharana Music
WREK Atlanta, 91.1 FM
Mondays, 8-9 p.m.
www.wrek.org
(+1) 404-894-2468
Email: gharanamusicatlanta@gmail.com