Press Reviews

………. That the efforts of the academy are already paying dividends was well demonstrated by some of its young students. The nine-year-old Jainul Abedin who has been placed under the tutelage of Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, sang YAMAN-KALYAN with the confidence and poise of a fairly matured performer. His sense of Laya, Bharat Taans and above all his manner of presentation already indicated a future of great promise ahead of him. – The Statesman 18/12/1978

Little Ustad steals the heart of listeners – Times of India Bombay’79

Child prodigy steals the show – Allahabad Times 1980

Jainul Abedin, the ten year old wonder boy thrilled the audience with his Tayari…… – India Today 16-29 Feb 1980

Impressive debut by Jainul – What impressed most was the young vocalist’s calm and sober approach for rendering Alaap and Khayal composition ….. it was thus an enjoyable experience to listen to Yaman Kalyan from Jainul who handed it with the utmost care and judicious deployment of the characteristics features of the Raga ….. what delighted most were young singer’s matured mannerisms and his total avoidance of gimmicks. – Today, December 1993

Excellent music briefly rendered – India international center presented Jainul Abedin, a young vocalist of talent and potentiality – The Hindustan Times, New Delhi 1993

Song Sans Gimmicks – The indelible impact of his great mentor’s mannerisms were well observed in Jainul’s renderings …. – The Pioneer, Thursday December 9, 1993

The SRA Conference was memorable in more ways than one – The following night, Jainul Abedin started with non-tom Alaap and then Khayal in Raga Bhimpalasi. His rendition revealed his depth of maturity. He has come a long way since being a child prodigy. With time and of course practice, he will most certainly become one of the better-known singers of the Agra Gharana – Perhaps the only Khayal singers who have retained Alaap in vocal music. – The Economic Times, Saturday March 12, 1994

I would like to mention another SRA product, Jainul Abedin …… his “PHIARAT” was good, holding out promise for a bright future. A little more attention to the aesthetic aspect of music especially the “ASTHAI BHARNA” of the Agra Gharana, should give him a stronger foothold. – The Statesman, April 5, 1994

Sizing Stars – At a tender age of four, Jainul Abedin under the guidance and training of Sri Gobinda Basu and Sri Arun Kumar Chatterjee strated showing a promising career as a vocalist.

In 1977, Jainul gave his first stage performance in Basirhat District Competition and stood first. This was a major break for the young lad. As one after the other he showed his talent.

His renditions kept the audience spell-bound. Soon the maestro of the Agra Gharana, Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan took Jainul under his wing. Jainul’s talent was further honed and he selected for a scholarship. In 1980 Jainul gave a scintillating performance under ITC’s banner at Delhi, which was soon followed by Allahabad’s “Kal Ke Kalakar”. Within a very short period of time young Jainul surprised the music world. The sudden death of Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan came as a setback for the prodigy. Sri Vijay Kichlu took Jainul under his tutelage. Though Jainul has failed give much of public performances yet his performances in India and in USA has left an everlasting impression to his audience. – The Asian Age, 12 December 2000

New Notes from Agra – The Agra Gharana began in Akbar’s court and continues to gice us beautiful bandishes through its young upcoming singer. This Dhrupad composition in Raga Jog was composed by Haji Sugan Khan, who is said to have given birth to the Agra Gharana. A top Dhrupad musician and composer in the court of Akbar, Haji Sujan Khan sang in Nauharbaani style. And from there, reportedly, starts the story of the Agra Gharana.

All this and more was revealed by Jainul Abedin, disciple of the Late Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan and Pandit Vijay Kichlu, during his March 10 performance at the ITC, organized by Delhi Music Circle and ITC. The performance was the first of a current series of Hindudtani Musical Gharanas, featuring young, upcoming artists. This concert was especially good news for Delhi music lovers and eminent musicians, who has not heard the Agra Gharana for a long time.

Jainul Abedin began his training at the age of 8 when he was selected by Sangeer Research Academy to study under Ustad Latafat Khan. After his death Jainul continued his studies under Pandit Vijay Kichlu and also learned from the Kirana Gharana under Arun Kumar Chatterjee.

Musicologist Sumati Mutatkar introduced this upcoming Bengali musicians, recalling how he was merely 8 years old when she first saw him …… after rendering a Bada Khayal, Jainul sang short poems in devotion to lord Krishna like “KAISE KHELU HOLI……. The words of the poems “BIRAJ KE KUNWAR SHAAM, HOLI KHELTA, SAB SAKHIYAN, PEECHE DHOOM MACHAVAT” made the splendor of holi (which coincided with the concert) come alive. And finally Jainul ended the evening by singing the Thumri SAAWARE SALONE …… a composition of Khadin Hussain.

“The Alaapchaari or voice culture of Agra is unique and we have never broken its original shaili” says Jainul proudly – The Indian Express, New Delhi March 15, 2001

The very best of Agra Gharana – A melodious voice majestic in notes, wide in sweep. That is how Prakash Wadhera sums up the voice of Jainul Abedin who gave a recital the other day. – The Hindu Friday, May 4, 2001

Back

Click me for Feedback