First Time on CD

Mallikarjun Mansur released First Time on CD in 2008, featuring remastered archival performances of Raga Bahaduri Todi, Raga Gaud Malhar, and Raga Yamani Bilawal in the khayal style.

First Time on CD is a compilation release group featuring recordings by Hindustani classical vocalist Mallikarjun Mansur. The collection marks the digital remastering and first-time CD release of archival performances, originally captured in live or studio settings during Mansur’s career. The primary release under this title appeared on January 1, 2008.

The release group comprises three tracks, each showcasing Mansur’s renditions of distinct ragas from the Hindustani tradition. The featured compositions include Raga Bahaduri Todi, Raga Gaud Malhar, and Raga Yamani Bilawal. The recordings emphasize Mansur’s interpretation of the khayal form, a dominant style in North Indian classical vocal music. The label or production entity responsible for the 2008 release is not documented in the available context.

Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) belonged to the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, a school known for its intricate taan patterns and emotive delivery. His performances in this collection reflect the gharana’s characteristic phrasing and improvisational depth. The transfer to CD preserved the tonal nuances of his voice, a baritone noted for its resonance and expressive range. The original recording dates of the tracks remain unspecified, though the material aligns with Mansur’s active period from the mid-20th century onward.

The release group serves as a historical document of Mansur’s artistry, offering listeners access to performances that were previously available only in analog formats or private archives. The selection of ragas spans seasonal and emotional themes: Gaud Malhar evokes the monsoon, while Bahaduri Todi and Yamani Bilawal explore morning and late-evening moods, respectively. No additional session musicians or accompanying instrumentalists are credited in the provided context.

The 2008 edition did not introduce new recordings but repackaged existing material for contemporary audiences. The absence of liner notes or detailed metadata in the available context limits further description of the production process, mastering techniques, or archival sources. The release group title indicates its primary distinction as a digital-era reissue of Mansur’s earlier work.