About Padma Bhooshan Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Padma Bhushan Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan is a studio album by Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. The label Odeon released the recording in 1968 as an official 12\" vinyl LP featuring eleven tracks. The album captures Khan’s renditions in the Patiala gharana style, blending khyal, dadra, and thumri forms with his distinctive vocal technique.
The tracklist includes Kankar Mar Jagae, a thumri in Raga Kafi; Aaye Na Balam, a dadra in Raga Pilu; and Sainyan Bolo, a folk-inflected composition. Other notable tracks are Yaad Piya Ki Aye, a khyal-based piece, and Prem Ke Phande Men, showcasing Khan’s intricate taan patterns. The album also features Prem Ki Maar Katar, Kate Na Biraha Ki Raat, and Tirchhi Najariya Ke Baan, each demonstrating his control over layakari and gamak. The closing tracks Prem Agan Jiyara, Maran Muthe Yun, and Naina More Taras Rahe emphasize bhava (emotional expression) through slow, meditative phrasing.
The recording session details, accompanying instrumentalists, and production personnel remain undocumented in available sources. The album serves as a representative sample of Khan’s late-career work, following his receipt of the Padma Bhushan in 1962. Odeon’s release aligned with a period of commercial LP production for Indian classical music, targeting both connoisseurs and general audiences. The original vinyl pressing included no liner notes or credits beyond the artist and label identification.
Khan’s performances on this album reflect his signature fusion of technical rigor and lyrical spontaneity. The repertoire draws from traditional bandishes while incorporating his improvisational expansions. The recording quality adheres to mid-20th-century analog standards, with mono audio typical of the era. Later reissues or digital remasters of this album, if any, are not verified in public records.