Diversity is the identifiable trait of Nazrul songs. Think any raaga or traditional genre of sub-continental music -- kheyaal, thumri, daadra, toppa, adhunik, Islami, mursheedi, marfati, kirtan, Shyama Sangeet, folk, jhumur (featuring Santaal beats) -- they have all been brilliantly experimented with and incorporated in 'Nazrul Sangeet'. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that Nazrul should be credited for widely popularising ghazals in Bangla. Ghazals originated in Persia (Iran).

Shanjher Pakhira, a recently

released album, is an assortment of Nazrul songs. Emerging artiste Naseema Shaheen's renditions of the songs in the album manifest the opulence and diversity of Nazrul's compositions (all except for Mon-e porey aaj, composed by Kamal Das Gupta).

The album starts off with a rendition of Eki shurey tumi gaan shonaley -- A ghazal based on mishra bhairavi. With the very first song, the artiste demonstrates her admirable elan and expertise. Shaheen's voice exuberates the kind of finesse that can only be achieved through years of arduous

music lessons and studies. She deftly carries out the subtle mudkis (twists and turns) in the song.

The next song based on mishra jaijayanti is an articulate delineation of monsoon. The number becomes memorable as Shaheen breathes life into verses -- Abar ki elorey re badol, loye peethbhora elo chul chokhbhora jol...

Nazrul songs often epitomise a forlorn lover yearning for his/her distant beloved. That disposition resonates in Shaheen's vocals in Hey priyo tomar amar majhey biroher parabaar.

The melancholy, yet regal sound of sarangi creates an apt ambiance for the song Bhoriya poraan shunitechhi gaan, violin and sarod add to the effects. The songs reaches its highpoint when the artiste renders chandrachur megher gaye, moral-mithun uriya dhaye, nesha dhorey chokhey alo chhayae...

Sheydin bolechhiley and Mon-e porey aaj two adhunik songs are easy on the ear. Dolonchampa bone doley, features a raaga created by Nazrul -- raaga dolonchampa. Shaheen finishes off with a poignant rendition of Shanjher pakhira phirilo kulaye.

Music direction by Durbadal Chattyopadhyay compliments the artiste's vocals and not overshadow it, as the case should be. The album produced by Shurer Mela can be a treat for music aficionados, specifically Nazrul devotees.