About Dadras & Thumrees
Dadras & Thumrees is a studio album by Indian classical vocalist Begum Akhtar. The album was released in 1968 on a 12\" vinyl format under the His Master’s Voice label. It features five tracks that showcase the semi-classical genres of thumri and dadra, both of which are rooted in the traditions of Hindustani light classical music.
Begum Akhtar performed all vocal compositions on the album. The tracklist includes Jab Se Shyam Sidhare (Thumri), Ankiyan Neend Na Aae (Thumri), Zara Dhire Se Bolo (Dadra), Balamwa Tum Kya Jano Preet (Dadra), and Mori Toot Gai Aas (Poorvi Dadra). The compositions reflect the lyrical and melodic intricacies characteristic of the thumri and dadra forms, often exploring themes of love, longing, and devotion.
The album was issued as an official release in 1968. The recording captures Begum Akhtar’s distinctive vocal style, marked by emotive phrasing and a deep understanding of the gharana traditions she represented. His Master’s Voice, the label responsible for the production, was a prominent Indian record company during the era and distributed the vinyl widely.
Specific details about the accompanying instrumentalists, recording location, or production personnel remain undocumented in available sources. The album stands as a representative work of Begum Akhtar’s contributions to semi-classical music in the late 1960s.