About Maestro's Choice: Series Three: Vocal
Maestro’s Choice: Series Three: Vocal is a studio album by Indian classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan. Released in 1991 under the Music Today label, the album forms part of the Maestro’s Choice series and features Khan’s renditions in the Hindustani classical tradition. The recording was issued on compact disc as an official commercial release.
The album contains two tracks. The first track presents Raga Hameer, structured in two segments: a khayal composition Dekhi Aasi Ladli set to Madhyalaya Adachautala, followed by a tarana in Dim Tana Dir Dir. The second track features Raga Jog Kauns, divided into a vilambit bandish Sughar Bar Payo in Teentala and a drut composition Pir Parayi, also in Teentala.
Khan’s performance adheres to the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, emphasizing intricate taan patterns and nuanced meend (glissando) techniques. The accompaniment details, including tabla or harmonium artists, remain undocumented in available sources. The album’s production aligns with Music Today’s early-1990s catalog, which focused on archiving performances by leading classical musicians of the era.
The release date for the album coincides with its production year, 1991. No live recording or reissue information is confirmed. The track selection and sequencing reflect a curated approach typical of the Maestro’s Choice series, which highlighted extended renditions of lesser-performed ragas alongside established repertoire.