Rashid Khan - Vocal

Rashid Khan – Vocal is a studio recording of North Indian classical (Hindustani) vocal music released on January 1, 1996. The album features Ustad Rashid Khan as the primary vocalist, accompanied by Ananda Gopal Bandopadhyay on tabla and Jyoti Goho on tanpura. Moment! Records produced and distributed the release in digital media format.

The album comprises two tracks, each centered on a distinct raga. The first composition explores Rag Bageshri, a late-night raga associated with the Kafi thaat and characterized by its emotive, introspective phrasing. The second track presents Rag Kedar, a raga of the Kalyan thaat often performed during the late evening, known for its expansive melodic development and use of komal re (flattened second) in descent. Both performances adhere to the khayal tradition, with Khan employing intricate taans and bol-banao techniques.

Ananda Gopal Bandopadhyay provides rhythmic support on the tabla, incorporating traditional thekas and improvisational patterns that complement Khan’s vocal phrasing. Jyoti Goho’s tanpura drone sustains the harmonic foundation, maintaining the shruti alignment essential to Hindustani classical performance. The recording captures a live-studio aesthetic, preserving the spontaneity of the artists’ interaction while ensuring clarity in the vocal and instrumental layers.

The release date coincides with the album’s official launch on January 1, 1996, though specific details about the recording sessions—such as location or production personnel—remain undocumented in available sources. The album serves as an early commercial recording in Rashid Khan’s discography, showcasing his interpretation of two foundational ragas within the Patiala-Kasur gharana lineage.

No additional editions, remasters, or reissues of this recording have been confirmed under the same label or title. The tracklist omits detailed timing or subsections (e.g., alaap, jor, jhala), focusing instead on the complete raga presentations. The album’s reception and commercial performance are not extensively archived, but it contributes to the documented output of Rashid Khan’s formative years as a leading Hindustani vocalist.