Hariharan has not cut a ghazal album for a long time, busy as he has been with his numerous film recording assignments. "Kaash" is the culmination of more than a year's efforts. And the product is definitely worth the time consumed, because of the unique sound conceived and presented by the singer.
To give form to this sound, Hariharan brought together a team comprising musicians such as Ustad Rais Khan (sitar), Ustad Sultan Khan (sarangi), Rashid Mustafa (tabla), Shivamani (percussion) and Carl Peters and Keith Peters (bass guitar). After fusing together such a great team, he mixed the album at the Mecca of world music - Real World Studios in the United Kingdom.
Hariharan has described 'Kaash' as "contemporary sounding Urdu blues" and "a fusion between the old world of Urdu poetry and Indian gayaki with contemporary sounding instrumentation". It could not have been described better. Not being content with the best musicians, Hariharan sought out the best lyricists. The lyrics are of a high order and are sure to compel repeated listening. Savour some of the lyrics:
Aadhi Raat by Kaial-ul-Jaffry
Aadhi raat guzar gayi,
Jaane neend kidhar gayi.
Hum saahil pe baithe hain,
Duniya paar utar gayi,
Jaane neend kidhar gayi.
and Aandhiyan by Shahriyar
Aandhiyan aati thi lekin kabhi aisa na hua,
Khauff ke mare juda shaakh se patta na hua.
At the end, you find yourself wishing: Kaash (if only) this album had been released earlier.
