In a response to recording thread on the akj.org forum someone mentioned that nothing can compare to one of those single round shaped old school microphones and the blaring horn type speakers that woke you up in a pind. Recoding expert Mandheer Singh/ਉਰਫ Netnihung was obviously upset at the comment. But I think that person really knew what he was talking about. And today I too know what he meant by that.
After many years I’ve had the chance to view a Raensbayee video from 1991 at small pind in the Malwa region. The last time I saw it was well over 8 years ago. I don’t think most of us in the west can even comprehend the notion that a fannism-free Raensbayee can ever be possible. It’s hard to remember the last time when there was a kirtan without flashy tunes and major fannist presence.
Kirtan really can seem different and enjoyable when done without the ever-present superficial voice and the need to conduct the whole routine purely to please and maintain ones fan base.
Most of the shabads done back in Punjab are different and in simple ‘lehs’ easy to sing anolng with. It was really something else seeing the whole pind flock to the Gurdwara Sahib to take in kirtan.
Amrit Singh said it best: “It’s not kirtan, unless it’s straight from the hirdha”
I’ll try to upload it for everyone to see later when I find time
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