About Khayal By Ustad Amir Khan
Khayal is a studio album by Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Amir Khan, released in 1968. The record features two extended khayal performances in the dhrupad-ang gayaki style for which Khan was renowned. His Master’s Voice issued the album as a 12\" vinyl LP under catalog number details unavailable.
The album contains two tracks. Barsha Ritu Aai renders Raga Megh-Bilampat, a monsoon-themed raga associated with the Kafi thaat. The composition employs a vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) structure, accompanied by tanpura and tabla. The second track, Kahan Jaage Raat Jofiya More Ghar Aaye, presents Raga Lalit, a morning raga from the Bhairav thaat characterized by its use of komal re and komal dha. Both performances showcase Khan’s control over sargam taans and bol-banao improvisations.
Recording details such as session musicians, producers, or studio locations remain undocumented in available sources. The 1968 release date aligns with Khan’s active period as a leading exponent of the Indore gharana, though specific concert or recording dates for these tracks are not verified. The album cover art, if originally included, is not archived in public repositories.
As a commercial release by His Master’s Voice, the LP targeted audiences of North Indian classical music during a period when vinyl remained the dominant format for such recordings. Later reissues or digital remasters of this album have not been confirmed. The original pressing is now considered a collector’s item among enthusiasts of Khan’s work.