K.J.Yesudas

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 12 Dec 2008, 23:17

Thanks Sridhar - will certainly give it a listen and wish you all the best for your musical endeavours. My own advice as a layman and (possibly) as someone junior to you is to look for the best compositions in all languages including Tamil.

Coming back, to the thread, KJY epitomizes a breed of musicians who are adored by the masses and panned by critics. I've always wondered why they get so much flak. I am not a great fan or KJY - despite the out of the world Thodi above - but I can't find anything wrong with his music either (to the limited extent I listen to it). You don't get to that level if you are "bad" or even average.

It is true that the masses stream in for the Brahma Mokattis and what have you - but the pre tani section is usually quite fine - sometimes even enjoyable. I think that the critics are probably infuriated by the disconnect between the quality of the music and the response of the audience which is, more often than not, true of such artistes.

Perhaps there are also some glaring technical deficiencies which are beyond my grasp. Coolji would remember certain finer points about the music of a certain giant at the dinner table! However such technical points are usually missing from the gripes of critics or die-hards who all too often couch their criticism in impenetrable jargon like lack of vidwat etc without getting into the specifics.

I am listening to the Thodi - what a fine effort it is, despite the Hindolam overdose in the middle and the falsetto at the end...if there is anything lacking, it is only restraint...but also notice where the applause comes!

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 12 Dec 2008, 23:30

Sridhar, I heard the Mayamalavagowla - phenomenal stuff!! You really ought to be performing in Chennai!

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 13 Dec 2008, 01:08

Lovely renditions Sridhar. Thanks for sharing those three songs. We are blessed to have you among us in our musical journey together.

poornashadjam · Post by **poornashadjam** » 13 Dec 2008, 01:09

Your comments are really encouraging Sirs. Thanks a lot. Mr cmlover - the ranjani song is composed by Lalita santhanam.

Mr Vijay - I am unfortunately away from India now ( back only on the 24th). I did not accept any concerts this December. I would have done a few concerts had I been in Chennai. But the December Music scene for upcoming musicains like me, with no proper push and god fathers, is extremely discouraging . It is really unfortunate that one needs to do a lot of self marketing and keep calling the sabhas repeatedly even for afternoon slots. There are also cases where money plays . It is Disgusting sometimes .

Regards

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 13 Dec 2008, 01:23

Sridhar
Was it the wife of Maharajapuram Santhanam?

I weep for the politics played at Chennai (and elsewhere) where capable musicians like you are sidelined. While CM transports us to a dream world the real world is harsh and unkind just as the biography of KJY depicts who however did succeed despite the machinations of Sabhas and envious Peers!

But you have a fan-base right here and we will enjoy your music with genuine appreciation whenever you are ready! Good Luck!

poornashadjam · Post by **poornashadjam** » 13 Dec 2008, 01:34

Mr cmlover,

I am delighted and am always ready for music.

This Lalita santhanam is not any way related to Maharajapuram nor is she to be confused with Lalita santhanam of Sattur Sisters.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 13 Dec 2008, 02:18

This site has 45+ of Sri KJY renditions for listen and download:
LINK REMOVED BY ADMIN

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 13 Dec 2008, 07:58

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 13 Dec 2008, 09:03

Sridhar: That is fantastic. Very good singing. Thanks for sharing your music with us.

musicfan_4201 · Post by **musicfan_4201** » 13 Dec 2008, 11:22

CML,
You seem to suffer from Trinityfobia. Whilst the whole music world have acclaimed their genius, you seem to differ from it. None of the three propagated their music, it was their sishyas and us who have accepted wholeheartedly. Why comment on the quality of the compositions? Thyagaraja never composed for others to sing but it was his feelings which was expressed in a musical form. I need not teach you that as you are extremely learned and well versed in many subjects!
MD's compositions in sanskrit is ordinary per you. But that ordinary is extraordinary for the whole world.
I am not sure whether it is this thread or somewhere you have claimed that many composers seek musicians to tune and sing their compositions and they were demanded payment to do so. Where as the trinity compositions have been accepted by one and all, which is because of certain specialty that it has. And a few who sing these compositions claim copyrights. Again, the reason why musicians cling to the trinity compositions which is because of reluctance to change and accepting a change is difficult and takes time. This is not only in the music world but in every facet of life (process changes in companies, style of living etc) Why blame only the musicians for that?
KJY has gone thru a rough time in being accepted as sishya or as a CM. Quite true, but is it only him. There are many more (past-present-future) musicians whether it be bhramin / non bhramin. Who is to blame for that. It is US because we keep attending / hero worshiping a few musicians who are famous / have attained FAME (TNS, Sanjay and the like and this is applicable to past heroes as well). A TNS concert even in a bad day attracts a full house where as a real good musician attracts not more than 50 audience. If TNS ends his concert in 2 hours after starting 30 mins late, the justification given by his die hard fans is, many of the audiences walked out and therefore he would have decided to end it soon:)
This will not change unless and until we change our mindset.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 13 Dec 2008, 12:28

I think that CML only reminds us that Carnatic music does not begin and end with three people. His words remind us, also, that if they are to be appreciated, it should be for the right reasons, and not without criticism, if criticism is due.

You may say that it easy for me, as a non-Indian, to say this, but I have always been a little uncomfortable with the attribution of sainthood! For what are we attributing sainthood to thyagaraja? For meditating upon Ram for every minute of his existence? I don't argue with that, but it is a religious accomplishment, not a musical one.

However, I still say, as a non-Indian, non-Hindu, non-musically-experienced (compared to professionals, academics or better-informed rasikas) individual, that Thyagaraja's music has always struck a chord (forgive the technically inappropriate and unintended pun!) with me. It is no small thing to write a great melody, and I'm tempted (but not really qualified) to say that he ranks with other composers of the world, saints or not, such as Beathoven, Mozart, Lennon; the people who have given us the tunes we hum, whether or not we know where they came from.

I can appreciate Thyagaraja's melodies. I can also understand that a devotee of Ram finds greater, perhaps deeper, experience in listening to those melodies, and that for them it includes religious experience.

I can also listen to Handel's fabulous Messiah and be moved to tears of joy, without being a Christian.

When music truly moves us, it is a transcendent, spiritual experience: it doesn't matter whether the origin of the music is religious or not. All music is equal in that respect and potential (OK, perhaps some music is more equal than others!). It is given to a few performers, artists, actors, to be able to move us in this way. I could even add priests to the list: how many pujas have you all experienced, and how many have brought you the experience of deep inner peace or inspiration?

About KJY. His voice is like velvet. My objections are that he likes to talk about religion, which is not what I go to a concert to hear, and that he does not give fair share of the time to his accompanists. It must be four years at least since I last saw him sing; I could be way off the mark for today. I can say that I certainly appreciate his dedication and struggle against the establishment to even get to sing at all.

I have a ticket covering one of his concerts this year; it's time I updated my experience!

cameo · Post by **cameo** » 17 Dec 2008, 11:24

adding to my woes...
here's one more..
I have been reading the kutcheri reviews, though i know nothing abt it..just curious on what is being performed.
and to my knowledge,there were about 2-3 concerts of KJY during the last few days. .
but no reviews ?

kaumaaram · Post by **kaumaaram** » 31 Dec 2008, 12:12

cameo wrote:adding to my woes...
here's one more..
I have been reading the kutcheri reviews, though i know nothing abt it..just curious on what is being performed.
and to my knowledge,there were about 2-3 concerts of KJY during the last few days. .
but no reviews ?

KJY has the distinction of bringing the crowd listen to CM by his magical voice. His renditions sometimes have been pretty excellent. His shruti scale might be low, yet his voice had captivated the audience. I have been mesmerised by his voice. If his concerts have not been reviewed, it might be sheer omission or least prejudice and nothing more. Since his improvisation process had suffered due to his association with the film music, it is likely that everyone gets a feel that he is a good semi-classical artist.

About three concerts could found in my folder:

www.sangeethamshare.org/kaumaram

And also the Tamil Isai Sangam concert in the main page of Sangeethapriya.

http://www.sangeethapriya.org/Downloads ... lisai1986/

He has rendered two Thiruppugazh songs excellently well.

raghavt · Post by **raghavt** » 08 Jul 2009, 04:44

K J Yesudas (Dasettan as Mallus call him affectionately; Gaanagandharvan - as many in my state say...). What is so special about him???

1. God-Gifted Razor sharp, Crystal clear voice and 110% adherence to Shruti
2. Can easily go all octaves (downwards and upwards)
3. Good diction (he keeps on improving it)

I hope everyone know some facts: MSG, TNK, TVG etc had accompanied him on the violin and the mrudangam (respectively) when he was more actively involved in singing concerts.

As we all know, he is more into playback singing. So, when we compare him to full time Vidwans, he may lag when it comes to Sangatis and also manodharmam. Regarding his Vidwat, I don't want to stir the hornet's nest by commenting on it

But, he is still one of my favorite artists when I talk about playback singing, but not in the field of Carnatic Music.

vallaki · Post by **vallaki** » 09 Jul 2009, 01:37

IMO, I always think of K.J.Yesudas only as a play back singer more than as a Carnatic Vidhwan.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 09 Jul 2009, 04:17

raghavt: What do you mean by Mallus?

Lakshman · Post by **Lakshman** » 09 Jul 2009, 04:47

Mallus means Malayalis like Gujaratis are called Gujjus.

raghavt · Post by **raghavt** » 09 Jul 2009, 08:01

vallaki wrote:IMO, I always think of K.J.Yesudas only as a play back singer more than as a Carnatic Vidhwan.

Exactly

raghavt · Post by **raghavt** » 09 Jul 2009, 08:02

Lakshman wrote:Mallus means Malayalis like Gujaratis are called Gujjus.

Mallus = Malayalam speaking people (like me)

vganesh · Post by **vganesh** » 09 Jul 2009, 09:49

KJY is an inspiration for many people to listen CM in Kerala. Nowadays not many songs in Malayalam has the same explicit CM as it was during 70s & 80s.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 09 Jul 2009, 09:56

How are tamil speaking people called, Kongan?

raghavt · Post by **raghavt** » 09 Jul 2009, 22:51

vganesh wrote:KJY is an inspiration for many people to listen CM in Kerala. Nowadays not many songs in Malayalam has the same explicit CM as it was during 70s & 80s.

Yes, but that inspiration is limited to semi-classical stuff either taken from films or devotional albums. I know some people who went to listen to music concerts of other vidwans after hearing KJY. They said they could not 'digest' it as it was too 'heavy' and 'boring'

Now with the demise of the master composer Raveendran, classical touch in the songs are less. Also, the film songs are now 'trendy' in line with other language films (weak copies of Hindi and Tamil film music).

vallaki · Post by **vallaki** » 10 Jul 2009, 01:41

VK RAMAN wrote:How are tamil speaking people called, Kongan?

gULTI = Telugu Speaking
Mallu - Malayalam speaking

For People not living in the southern 4 states, we are all 'Madrasis'

cameo · Post by **cameo** » 23 Dec 2009, 17:45

Any reason why there is no concert of his in the Music Academy during this season?

cpblog · Post by **cpblog** » 30 Sep 2010, 16:33

Respected Rasikas,

Inviting you all to a "Parvathi", Mysuru concert from April 18, 1976 with
K.J.Yesudas ----Vocal
Mysore M Nagaraj -----Violin
Erode Gururajan ------Mridangam
Sheshagiri Das -----Khanjira
Manjunath ----Ghatam

Please enjoy!!! at
http://chowdaiahandparvati.blogspot.com/

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 30 Sep 2010, 21:18

Because he is a play back singer, he cannot be a vidwat? hmm

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 24 Oct 2010, 07:08

Guru-Sishya sambandha !!

Panthuvarali Exposition

Kindly listen to Chembai and KJY singing Shiva Shiva Shiva Enna radha in 3parts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9IEQGld7Gc

Chembai and Yesudas Shiva Shiva Shiva Enna - 1 of 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHyUAl9Y ... re=related

Chembai and Yesudas Shiva Shiva Shiva Enna - 2 of 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr7LqH_d ... re=related
Chembai and Yesudas Shiva Shiva Shiva Enna - 3 of 3

Why he cannot be a vidwat?

venkatakailasam

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 14 Jan 2011, 13:42

writeup about him
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2011/01/14/stor ... 790400.htm

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 27 Apr 2011, 07:53

I could not get any other thread regarding Shri Jesudas. If there is one ,this can be merged with that one.
Recently I heard him rendering the song 'UdupiSriKrishna' A fine absorbing rendition.
He follows the words of Sree Narayana Guru, "One caste, one religion and one God for all humanity",
You can hear his songs at my blog:

http://myblogkumara.blogspot.com/

http://myblogkumara.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-post.html

venkatakailasam

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 13 Jan 2012, 12:13

To me personally a great semi classical musician with one of the best voices .Every musician has a special love for chembai, all the more as KJY was chembai bhagavathar's student.
A recent write up about him in The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article2792876.ece

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 13 Jan 2012, 21:34

"If music is running in my veins today, I owe it to my guru who is a father-mother-mentor, all rolled into one. But for my austere, affectionate guru Chembai Vaidyanathan, there is no Yesudas - how many of our tamil/kannada/telugu speaking Chennai/Bangalore artists teach pupil from other faith? I like to hear from our respected rasikas.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 07 Sep 2012, 22:21

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 5224_n.jpg

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 08 Sep 2012, 20:54

Great! I remember that face!
Thanks

srkris · Post by **srkris** » 20 Feb 2014, 01:36

Ilayaraja's carnatic concert at Sabarimala with Mavelikkara Krishnankutty Nair on the Mridanga and Yesudas on the Kanjira.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 20 Feb 2014, 07:25

Super! and thanks..
Which year is this?

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 20 Feb 2014, 10:54

srkris
really nice.Looking at illayaraja it is early 80 or mid 80's . What concert he gave - did he sing few carnatic numbers- any idea there?

srkris · Post by **srkris** » 20 Feb 2014, 15:32

I understand this was in the late 70s. Not sure of what exactly he sang, but it seems the concert was a carnatic performance.

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 21 Feb 2014, 03:12

VK RAMAN wrote: If music is running in my veins today, I owe it to my guru who is a father-mother-mentor, all rolled into one. But for my austere, affectionate guru Chembai Vaidyanathan, there is no Yesudas - how many of our tamil/kannada/telugu speaking Chennai/Bangalore artists teach pupil from other faith? I like to hear from our respected rasikas.

ANYONE who knows anything about twentieth century Carnatic music knows the POINEERING & VISIONARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHEMABAI VAIDYANATHA Bhagavathar. Yesudas a prime disciple of Chembai is a GLOBAL THINKER whose MUSIC as well as PERSON far EXCEEDS the artificial superficial narrow views of so called EXPERTS. Technically his VOICE & MUSIC ARE PERFECT. I can only attribute his not being recognised by the so called great music institutions in Madras to STUPIDITY. I am being BLUNT as there is no other explanation.
Incidentally I am a Tamilian-somewhat proud of it due to Bharathiyar etc- from Madras & reflect I am sure the views of many like me who are frustrated that FOOLISH CRITERIA are being used in Twenty First Century. I request at least others from Tamilnadu to supplement my views on this subject. VKV

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 21 Feb 2014, 03:45

VK RAMAN wrote:how many of our tamil/kannada/telugu speaking Chennai/Bangalore artists teach pupil from other faith? I like to hear from our respected rasikas.

Didn't Smt. DKP teach someone from China - a person from a country where the only recognized faith is probably in the party? Didn't the family of Smt. Balasaraswati adopt Mr. Jon Higgins - not just a man of different faith, but an entirely different culture?
There are plently of bharatanATyam dancers from other faiths, and cultures who learned their art from 'tamil'-speaking gurus in Chennai
I am just making these points to say that this direction is not something we should go in. People have preferences, and all humans are flawed and prejudiced. Let's just leave it at that.
Moving on.....

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 21 Feb 2014, 04:07

I DON'T THINK WE SHD. MOVE ON. I AGREE THAT THERE ARE PERSONS WHO ARE ABOVE THESE PETTY CRITERIA BUT THERE ARE OTHERS IN SO CALLED AUTHORITY & POWER THAT ARE REAL & EXIST. I ALSO LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT T.VISWANATHAN WAS THE ONLY MUSICIAN WHO AGREED TO TEACH BOB. BROWN WHEN HE WENT TO MADRAS TO WORK ON HIS THESIS & ONE CAN ACTUALLY ARGUE THAT THIS RESULTED IN HOW CARNATIC MUSIC PROGRAMS IN U.S. UNIVERSITIES HISTORICALLY PROCEEDED FROM THEN ON.
MY MAIN THRUST HAS TO DO WITH YESUDAS & HIS CAPABILITIES AS A MUSICIAN. WHY HE IS NOT BEING RECOGNISEDTO THE EXTENT HE SHOULD BE? IN THIS AGE WE SHOULD BE HONEST, DISCUSS & FIGHT IT. VKV

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 21 Feb 2014, 04:38

Let right thinking people honestly discuss why KJY is not being recognized? I am with cacm on that.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Feb 2014, 09:17

That is a wonderful picture Srkris.. Thanks for sharing..

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 21 Feb 2014, 10:25

I cast my vote with VKV.
Also I suggest that Cleveland Festval should invite him and confer the highest honour on him which will be a wake up call for the prejudiced CM authorities at Chennai...

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 21 Feb 2014, 22:08

Dear cmlover,
Believe me its not the fault of Cleveland Aradhana that he has not been honoured there yet. VKV :-ss

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 22 Feb 2014, 00:42

Please explain!

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 22 Feb 2014, 01:21

I am sorry I cannot explain in this forum. I am personally aware of the attempts made over the years but in this FORUM with PERSONS WHO DO NOT IDENTIFY THEMSELVES I am not FOOLISH to write about matters equivalent to Divorce casesin N.A.: HE SAID-SHE SAID type of things. SORRY. VKV

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 22 Feb 2014, 03:42

OK!
How else can the CM community honour the "gAna gandharvan"?

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 22 Feb 2014, 04:11

cmlover wrote:OK!
How else can the CM community honour the "gAna gandharvan"?

THERE ARE SEVERAL CONCRETE WAYS REG. MADRAS SABHAS:
FIRST & FOREMOST IS TO START A SYSTEMATIC CAMPAIGN WRITING SABHA OFFICIALS IN MADRAS.
THIS CAN TAKE VARIOUS FORMS.
I can attest to at least TWO CASES- DON'T ASK ME TO NAME THE CASES:THEY ARE WITHIN LAST 5 YEARS- that I am aware of that produced successful outcomes. Writing in Rasikas & venting our frustrations is not going to do it. VKV

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 22 Feb 2014, 23:59

None from Madras Sabhas is part of this august forum! Who wants to bell the cat to start the campaign

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 23 Feb 2014, 00:46

VKR
VKV feels that the Forum is not the route to bring awareness.
I am not so sure!
But even if we start a compaign here there will be very little support!
KJY has already Two strikes against him:
one Christian and the other MalayaLi!
(and perhaps a third one too - he is a Keralite!)

rasikas.org

K.J.Yesudas

Re: About Padmashri K.J Yesudas

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Yesudas photo some 50 years ago!

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