Music Review: Anup Jalota and Sumeet Tappoo’s ‘Legacy’ is a timeless ode to music and devotion
When musical maestro Anup Jalota and his protégé Sumeet Tappoo unveiled their collaborative album Legacy at a star-studded event in Mumbai, it wasn’t merely the launch of a collection of songs — it was the celebration of a four-decade-long Guru-Shishya bond that transcends geography, time, and genres. Held at the opulent JW Marriott, the event was attended by stalwarts like Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Anuradha Paudwal, and Jaspinder Narula, adding to the album’s prestige.
A symphony of genres and emotions
The seven-track album composed beautifully by Prithvi Gandharv is a rich tapestry of classical, devotional, spiritual, ghazal, Sufi, and geet music, showcasing the duo’s versatility and artistic depth. Each track is a window into the profound connection they share, not only as mentor and student but as kindred spirits united by their love for music.
“Chaturang” stands out as a classical marvel rooted in the Shyam Chaurasi Gharana, brimming with technical brilliance and emotive depth.
“Prabhuji Tum Chandan Hum Paani” written by Prithvi Gandharv, is a devotional masterpiece enriched by a live symphony orchestra, exuding reverence and tranquility.
The hauntingly beautiful “Raabta” written by Prashant V Shrivastav, delves into the nuances of human emotion, while “Meherbaniyan”, written Pinky Poonawala brings a vibrant Sufi charm.
Contemporary pieces like “Shaayad”, featuring lyrics of the legendary Ahmed Faraz, and “Safar” written by Prashant V Shrivastav, infuse fresh energy, appealing to modern sensibilities.
The meditative “Hari” written by Prithvi Gandharv, concludes the album on a spiritually uplifting note, resonating as a prayer for global peace.
A bond beyond lifetimes
The event also celebrated the extraordinary journey of Jalota and Tappoo. Jalota’s reminiscence of discovering a young Sumeet in Fiji — a toddler captivated by his concerts — encapsulates the serendipity of their bond. Tappoo’s heartfelt gratitude for his mentor reflects the depth of their relationship, making the album a deeply personal and emotional offering.
A visual and sonic experience
Adding to the poignancy of the event was the unveiling of a nostalgic photograph from 40 years ago, capturing a young Sumeet with his Guru on a beach in Fiji. This visual encapsulates the album’s essence: a tribute to time, tradition, and transformation.
To sum it up
Legacy is more than an album; it is an experience. It bridges the traditional and the contemporary, weaving stories of devotion, harmony, and evolution. With this release, Jalota and Tappoo have not only gifted the world a musical masterpiece but have also reaffirmed the timeless relevance of the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Listeners are invited to immerse themselves in Legacy, a heartfelt symphony of art and emotion that will resonate for generations to come.
