Nazia and her band Don’t Ask experiment with a myriad of genres starting from Hindustani Classical to Reggae, rock, pop and fusion in their long-awaited first album Karmic Dhun released this month digitally under the banner of ME Label.
Trained classical vocalist Nazia, also a former vocalist of Arnob and Friends, formed Don’t Ask in 2010. From the beginning, the band’s music proved to be as unique as its brilliant line-up: guitarists Arshad Ahmed Masrur and Saadul Islam, drummer Jibon, bassist Bart Nandit Areng, and producer Saad Chowdhury.
The album’s first two singles — “Baper Bari” and “Dinodiya” were made available online before the release of Karmic Dhun and received acclaims from the Bangla music enthusiasts across the globe.
With Joynal Abedin's lyrics, “Dinodiya” is composed by Nazia from the roots of Raag Multani. Flutist Jalal and Percussionist Mithun Chakraborty came in as guest artists as Nazia sang the tale of Radha being smitten by Krishna’s flute.
“Baper Bari,” written and composed by Nazia and Bart Nandit, is a tale of a young bride leaving her father’s humble home and stepping into her new life. Ekram Hossain on Esraj and Nazrul Islam on Dhol were the guest artists.
Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul’s landmark patriotic song “Shob Kota Janala” was remade with a new flavour by blending in some Hindustani classical tunes. Jibon’s drums and Saad Chowdhury’s guitar and synth work and piano keep the song grounded to its roots of patriotism and originality.
The band also remade Kazi Nazrul Islam’s “Kaberi Nodi” fusing Kaharba Taal and Reggae. Here, Seth Panduranga Blumberg played the guitar as guest artist.
The songs are available in musroomentertainment.com, iTunes, Amazon.com, google play, rhapsody, emusic, shurjorajjo.com, and other digital outlets.
Bellissimo Premium Ice Cream is the official sponsor of Karmic Dhun.