About Jugalbandi - II
Jugalbandi – II is a studio album released in October 2011 under the Times Music label. The recording features a collaboration between bansuri exponent Hariprasad Chaurasia, sarod player Aashish Khan and tabla virtuoso Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. The album continues the tradition of jugalbandi, a duet or trio performance format in Hindustani classical music that emphasizes improvisation and rhythmic interplay between lead instrumentalists and percussion.
The album comprises two extended tracks. The first composition explores Raag Chandrakauns set to Teentaal, a 16-beat rhythmic cycle. The second track presents Raag Mishra Shivranjani in Deepchandi, a 14-beat cycle known for its flowing, asymmetrical structure. Both performances adhere to the alap-jor-jhala framework typical of instrumental classical recitals, with gradual acceleration and intricate taan patterns in the latter sections.
Hariprasad Chaurasia performs on the bansuri, employing the North Indian bamboo flute’s characteristic breath control and microtonal inflections. Aashish Khan contributes sarod passages marked by the instrument’s resonant, sliding notes and percussive strokes. Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri accompanies on tabla, providing rhythmic foundation and spontaneous variations that complement the melodic development. The recording captures live studio interplay without overdubs, preserving the spontaneity of a concert setting.
The album’s production credits and additional session details remain undocumented in available sources. Times Music released the work in CD format, targeting audiences of Hindustani classical music. No subsequent reissues or digital expansions have been confirmed. The release date aligns with the label’s October 2011 catalog, though specific event details for the launch are not recorded.