About Kesarbai Kerkar
Kesarbai Kerkar is a posthumous compilation album featuring recordings by the Indian classical vocalist Kesarbai Kerkar. Canary Records released the album on 12\" vinyl in January 2013. The collection presents nine tracks drawn from Kerkar’s repertoire in the khayal and dhrupad-influenced styles of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, though the original recording dates and sessions remain undocumented in the release notes.
The album opens with Lalat in the raga Ghatan Lagi Rain, followed by a Malkauns interpretation titled Main San Meet. The third track features Nat Kamod with the composition Nevar Baju Re. Kerkar performs Lalita Gouri in the fourth track as Preetam Saiyan, while the fifth selection, Goud Malhar, delivers Maan Na Kari. The sixth piece, Kukubh Bilawal, includes the devotional Devi Durge, and the seventh track presents Desi with Mare Dere Aao.
The final two tracks showcase Bhairavi through Jaat Kahan Ho and conclude with Todi in Haan Re Dainya. The liner notes do not specify accompanying instrumentalists, recording locations, or production personnel. The vinyl format retains the analog warmth characteristic of Kerkar’s era, though mastering details for this reissue are not provided.
Kesarbai Kerkar (1892–1977) remains a foundational figure in 20th-century Hindustani classical music, known for her precise taan execution and emotive bhava. This release contributes to the preservation of her legacy, though its curatorial criteria and source materials lack explicit documentation. Canary Records distributed the album without supplementary historical context or archival annotations.