Posts Tagged ‘Jelly Manjitpuri’

On February 23, to much fanfare, one of the new generation’s torchbearers unleashed one of the most eagerly awaited albums in recent times. The aptly titled My Time is the realisation of years learning the craft and it marks the fully-fledged, grand arrival of Manni Sandhu, precocious talent behind showstopper tracks Door Ni Kulne and more recently Sona.

Those who have followed Manni’s progression from the bedroom music producer, the Dj Manni days right through to underground bootlegs The Demo, Mutual Concept Vol 1 and the breakthrough single Pawara will know this individual is far from an orthodox, straight-down-the-middle Bhangra producer. We’re glad to say he has stuck to his guns, kept true to his influences and delivered a project that is representative of Sandhu’s progressive mentality.

Now, usually once you’ve heard an intro, very rarely does it warrant multiple plays but that’s exactly the case with the fierce Jelly Manjitpuri sarangi-grime fest My Time. Jelly lays down the law in explosive fashion as the traditional instrumentation collides with Manni’s raw, pulsating beats and not forgetting that thunderous bass! The Manjit Dhaliwal-written Bottle follows and is a slick club joint sung by Lehmber Hussainpuri. The irrepressible, funkiness factor of this track stems from the flamboyant accent on the synthy chords allied by the punctual mandolin riffs.

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There’s no denying that the singles gold-rush has upped the music volume being released and our Top 30 is a testament to the boom! Nevertheless, we’re a bit old-school and feel the art and accomplishment of albums shouldn’t fall by the wayside because of this strategic-shift. Though the numbers have dropped for the full-scale variety, 2011 was graced by some of biggest releases courtesy of blockbuster names so it wasn’t as straightforward to compile as you may think… Here’s our (better late than never) lowdown and as always we’d love to receive your feedback!

Number 8 (Released August 2011)

Alfaaz – The Boy Next Door
Alfaaz + Honey Singh - Haye Mere Dil
Alfaaz + Honey Singh - Yaar Bathere
Alfaaz - Eid
Vocals: Alfaaz
Music: Honey Singh
Songwriter: Alfaaz

With the backing of (Yo Yo) Honey Singh, Alfaaz blew up in the Punjabi music world with his massive debut album entitled The Boy Next Door. If YouTube hits are a yardstick by which to measure impact then it’s safe to say Alfaaz has made more than a hefty impression!

The coming together of the soulful singer’s contemporary poetics and eclectic sounds brought to the table by producer Singh proved a winning formula. None more so than in Haye Mera Dil, a wonderfully made track with its acoustic guitar, western drums, regal violin pieces and of course the bridging rap that has become one of Singh’s USPs. This conveniently leads onto Yaar Bathere, a hard-hitting track with a hostile, perhaps even bitter feel to it that is drilled home by the venting rapper. Even though there are more conventional desi numbers on the album, the heartfelt Eid is another standout for its string composition and melting vocals.
Click here to purchase Alfaaz – The Boy Next Boor

Number 7 (Released July 2011)

Durga Rangila – Karo Na Pyar Mitro
Durga Rangila - Karo Na Pyar Mitro
Durga Rangila - Yaar Badaldi Reh Jayengi
Durga Rangila - Mirchan Vaar Ke
Vocals: Durga Rangila
Music: Charanjit Ahuja
Songwriter(s): Amarjit Cheema, Karamjit Sidhu Sahon Wala, Satta Kotli Wala, Shonki Hind Gairi Mandi Wala, Bahadar Kakron Wala, Bajinder Mustfabadia, Deep Alachouria & Jelly Manjitpuri

When certain names crop up in our music timeline, we are obliged to lend our ears in recognition of greatness. So it’s difficult to argue against the case for legendary duo Durga Rangila and Charanjit Ahuja to not be featured amongst the crème de la crème of the year just gone. Putting into words what these men have achieved over their illustrious careers is challenging to say the least but when these elite artists – nay, institutions – rekindled their renowned chemistry on Karo Na Pyar Mitro we knew we would be in for something special!

Being the heart-tugging specialist that he is, Rangila promptly sets the ball rolling with Karo Na Pyar Mitro, a cautionary tale of deceit that has the classic Durga hallmark. The heavy-hearted singer follows up in a similar vein for Yaar Badaldi Reh Jayengi with Ahuja delivering the goods on production as only the maestro can. For those perhaps questioning Rangila’s aptitude for something a tad light-hearted, Rabb Koi Jayengi, Mirchan Vaar Ke and Daru offer some relief albeit in his own irrepressible, full-bodied style.
Click here to purchase Karo Na Pyar Mitro

Number 6 (Released February 2011)

Satinder Sartaaj – Cheerey Wala Sartaaj
Satinder Sartaaj - Cheerey Waalea
Satinder Sartaaj - Ishqe Lyi Qurbania
Satinder Sartaaj - Dil Sabh De Vakhre
Satinder Sartaaj - Yahma
Vocals: Satinder Sartaaj
Music: Jatinder Shah
Songwriter: Satinder Sartaaj

There are a select few extraordinary individuals who have a profound command of the Panjabi language and its close affiliation with Sufism… One of these is Satinder Sartaaj. Riding high on the whirlwind success of his ground-breaking first studio album released in 2010, Sartaaj and Jatinder Shah returned with their outstanding 2011 offering, Cheerey Wala Sartaaj.

While we believe there is no substitute for his live performances, the duo have translated the work with little compromise and experimented musically to give it a refreshed outlook. Both parties brought their A-game for the title-track as the sweeping percussion plays its part in enhancing Sartaaj’s boundless poetry that conveys a deep message of longing. This heavenly calibre is matched on Ishqe Lyi Qurbania as the virtuosity on show sends us into sensory bliss. Both the delightfully melodic Dil Sabh De Vakhre and wittily-written Yahma adopt a subtle rock-flavour as Sartaaj captivates us with his philosophical musings intertwined with personal anecdotes. Through his passion for music, Sartaaj has kept alive the Sufi legacy and managed to achieve a unanimous appeal across ages and borders.
Click here to purchase Cheerey Wala Sartaaj

Number 5 (Released October 2011)

Lakhwinder Wadali – Naina De Buhe – The Soulful Strings
Lakhwinder Wadali + Wadali Brothers - Mai Taa Pinni Ae
Lakhwinder Wadali - Thaiya Thaiya
Lakhwinder Wadali - Sanwal Rangiye
Lakhwinder Wadali - Churi
Lakhwinder Wadali - Waghe Di Laqeer
Vocals: Lakhwinder Wadali
Music: Jatinder Jeetu & Tigerstyle
Songwriter(s): Sanjeev Anand Ji, Traditional: Baba Bulleh Shah, Jaswant Baaz, R.P Deewana, Sarvarinder & Sardar Ram Singh

Lakhwinder Wadali’s Naina De Buhe has featured prominently on our blog — and with very good reason. Encompassing the best of Panjabi, Sufi and Classical, this is a musical feast of the highest order from start to finish! As the months have passed since its release, our appreciation of the fine craftsmanship by Wadali and producers Jatinder Jeetu/Tigerstyle has grown inordinately.

Bolstered by equally opulent videos, the release saw Lakhwinder tee-off alongside the senior Wadali cohort for Mai Taa Pinni Ae, a hearty qawali-drenched collaboration that set a high-marker for the rest of the album. We were never in doubt as to whether track 2 onwards would cut the mustard and tacks like the retro Thaiya Thaiya, otherworldly romantic number Sanwal Rangiye and acoustically-inclined Churi all do their bit in making this magical release click.
Click here to purchase Naina De Buhe – The Soulful Strings

As the title alludes, Moviebox have finally unleashed the visuals for the title track off Jazzy B’s newly-released album, Maharajas. It has all the ingredients of a certified anthem with ‘The Music Man’, Sukshinder Shinda at the helm and Jelly Manjitpuri not only responsible for lyrics but also helping with backing vocals alongside his crew! The chorus-drop proves to be a master-stroke and the track is an accomplished outing from the team. Maharajas certainly stirs up a sense of pride and is designed to make you want to puff your chest out as Jazzy puts in a rousing performance.

Check out the UK-shot video, overseen by Sai Smith of Ballistic Productions that sees the ever enthusiastic Jazzy B swing those limbs in trademark fashion, shake the tassels and burn serious rubber on the track! Keep an eye out for the amazing effects at 3:54 mins and an intriguing choice on the football attire!

Maharajas is available to purchase by heading to iTunes via the link below.

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The latest album offering from Dr Zeus was way back in 2007 with Back Unda Da Influence which featured the vocal talents of India born Sharmilla (not including The Spirit, Manpreet Sandhu) . Four and a half years later, the trusted collaboration team up again for a ten track album (inc three remixes) showcasing the catchy and likeable Zeus’ signature production style accompanied with the distinctive chorus/backing singer collaboration of Jelly Manjitpuri and Laddi Dhaliwal. Moving from his garage influenced production (Highlife and Pure Garage) way back in the early 2000′s, Zeus has tailored his production into a sound which he feels comfortable is current for today’s music scene and in my opinion, I think he’s succeeded well. Whilst being surrounded in controversy of ghost production, the most important factor is that Zeus has an printed his input on the music he’s releasing. Without this influence, do you think tracks like Ah Ni Kuriyah, Gwandian Da Dhol or Kangna would be as big as they have been? I think not.

The album itself is no Unda Da Influence but it’s a strong release which I hope is reflected in the chart position, I look forward to hearing Zeus’ very own album (without Sharmilla) in the future (preferably without the four year wait). Click the link below to purchase the album from iTunes and as always, I’ve picked a couple of tracks which have caught my ear. Enjoy.

Updated with official video for Wal Wangu

” Daroo daroo diyeh bottleh, dil kareh thenu pilamah! ” Catchy as hell tune from the e3UK camp featuring the musical extraordinaire, Jelly Manjitpuri. Don’t think it’s as polished as it should be but just a dhol beat behind this mans awesome vocals would just do. Cop it from iTunes now!

I’ve had this album for a while now and I’m slapping myself for not blogging this earlier. Jelly Manjitpuri is the blood lifeline that runs through our industry right now and especially so within music that is currently getting released from Panjab. From his vocals, to his instrument playing (tumbi pioneer) and of course to his expertly written lyrics for countless of Panjabi artists.

Looking at the album itself, it appears that it is produced by Amit Uchana (hence the Newcomer title) and Jelly of course works his wonder throughout the whole album. Some surefire bangers on this disc that deserves some recognition along with a particular track that contains deep lyrics and a perfect vocal, Dharti. Highlighting the struggles that are faced by land owners/farmers in Panjab right now, the track is superbly produced and deserves a listen to realise some of the truth’s occuring in the homeland right now.

Listen to and download the second part to my A Touch of Synergy mixtape NOW! Been a bit slack with the release of this one but hopefully I should be uploading a few more mixtapes in the very soon future. Hope you enjoy this one as much as you enjoyed Part 1.

Tracklisting: Amit Rai – Bathan Ishq Diyan | DJ Sanj feat Master Saleem – Tere Husan De Marey | Gurbhej Brar – Mittran Ne Dittiyan | DJ H feat Kaka Bhaniawala – Das Ja Sohniye | Dark MC feat Jaswinder Daghamia – Chori Chori Takna | Highflyers feat Maninder Shinda + Surinder Shinda – Shinda Boliyan | Twin Beats feat Kaka Bhaniawala – Dil Tareya | Sunny D feat Jelly Manjitpuri – Do Dil Mil Gaye | Highflyers feat Kaka Bhaniawala – Baa Farke | Panjabi MC feat Kuldeep Manak – Big Weddding Day (Jori) | Aman Hayer feat Kaka Bhaniawala – Dera Mitran Da | Popsy feat Jazzy B – Naag 2 | Popsy feat Jelly Manjitpuri – Billo Ni | Panjabi MC feat Avion – Shades On | KS Bhamrah – Family Boliyan | S-Klass – Jatt Diya Reesan | Foji – Bruaah | Kulwinder Johal feat Raman Aujla – Johal Boliyan | Gyptian feat Nicki Minaj – Hold Yuh | RKZ Feat Mr Menis + Raxstar – Defeat Me | Jay Sean feat Nicki Minaj – 2012 | Usher – OMG | AMX feat Bakshi Billa – Naag | DJ Dips feat Miss Pooja + Kaka Bhaniawala – Gerra De De (Remix) | DJ Dips feat Miss Pooja + Kaka Bhaniawala – Gerra De De (Original) | G Town Desi – Peerh |

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17 years after Panjabi MC released his first album Souled Out, we see the 10th album release from the legendary Bhangra producer. I think it’s safe to say that without all of his releases, and I mean every single one, our industry wouldn’t be where it is today. I don’t mean to imply that our industry is up there in bright lights and enjoyed by the masses throughout the world but more to state that Panjabi MC has consistently year on year provided us with a collection of music that the Bhangra industry should be proud of. Having mentioned Souled Out, albums like 100% Proof, Grass Roots, Legalised and Desi having been nothing short of being one of the best albums within its time and always contained one if not more dancefloor anthem.

It’s been two years since Indian Timing was released and the anticipation for his newest release has been enormous. Since PMC dropped exclusives from the album at the BBC Asian Network London Mela on the 8th August, fans like me have been itiching to hear bangers like Moorni, Nach Di Di and Jodi. With the album being an eighteen, YES EIGHTEEN! track release, sceptics will say that some of the tracks aren’t up to the normal standard but I think the point that needs to be made is that not everyone of the eighteen tracks will suit each and every person. I think it’s also good to point out that this album is clearly progressive with PMC’s taste. Almost four tracks have been on a dance tip and he recently stated in a BBC interview that his next release will be heavily hip-hop with his own Panjabi MC touch which will cater for the mainstream. I personally think the album has some serious great tracks on it and the ones I like have been uploaded for you to listen above. Again as always, if you like the tracks then download from iTunes.

I think I can confidently say that Panjabi MC’s greatest album was Legalised. So ahead of its time and within it held the gem that would take the world by storm in ‘Mundian To Bach Ke’. At the time, although MTBK was an anthem, tracks like Mirza Part 2 and Ghalla Ghurian were the real diamonds. Have a listen below to the tracks I thought were the greatest from a pick of Panjabi MC’s earlier discography:

Souled Out (released in 1993)
Panjabi MC feat Meshi Eshara - Nach Ke
(The same production was to be used with the famous Kuldeep Manak vocals Ghariya Milan Deh on 100% Proof but I still like Meshi’s version)
Panjabi MC - Baah Phar Ni

100% Proof (released in 1995)
Panjabi MC feat Kuldeep Manak - Sarwan Phuter
Panjabi MC feat Mohd Saddiq - Jogi
(Unbelievable how this jam became a dancefloor hit after its official single release in 2003)

Grass Roots (released in 1996)
Panjabi MC feat Surinder Sonia - Raat Da Na Bole
(One of if not THE best track ever to be made by Panjabi MC, utilising Summertime to create an awesome smooth jam)
Panjabi MC feat Labh Janjua, Ranjit Mani, Surinder Shinda + Kuldeep Manak - Jind Mahi

Legalised (released in 2001)
Panjabi MC feat Lal Chand Yamla Jatt - Neuke Phadin Jawana
Panjabi MC feat Surinder Shinda - Mirza Part 2
(The second part to a series of great Mirza productions, although the first versions were top, this one was superb)
Panjabi MC feat Hema Sharma - Ghalla Ghurian

Popsy feat Jazzy B - Naag 2
Popsy feat Jelly Manjitpuri - Billo Ni
Popsy feat Nishawn Bhullar - Mundeya De Hostal
Popsy feat Avtar Maniac - Nach Bhabiye Ni
With the massive hype(r) that’s been around the follow up to the dancefloor hit, Naag, i can confidently say that Popsy has produced a decent well rounded album after not releasing a single/album for more than 5 years. It features the likes of the crown prince of Bhangra Jazzy B, established vocalists including Jelly Manjitpuri and Sarvjeet Kokewali, and also newcomers to the scene Nishawn Bhullar and Lucky Sidhu (Brit Asia Superstar contestant). What I like about the album is that it also includes of the finest vocalists that have grown up with me throughout the 80′s and 90′s.
The first being Avtar Maniac whose distinctive vocals can never be forgotten aswell as some of his finest albums which included Folk It and Extreme. Hopefully we get to hear more from Mr Maniac and if my facts are correct, Ravi Bal is set to produce his album which should be released in the next year or so. The second vocalists that caught my eye were one of the pioneer bands of 80′s UK Bhangra, Premi. I was lucky enough to see them perform PA at an old school reunion party recently but it does make me smile to see them featuring on new material. Above are a few tracks that stuck out for me so please after a listen, make sure you download the album from iTunes.