Bhairavi: Jaat Kahan Ho

Kesarbai Kerkar (1892–1977) was an Indian classical vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana in the khayal tradition. Her 2013 posthumous release Kesarbai Kerkar compiled archival recordings on a 12\" vinyl LP issued by Canary Records in January 2013. The album features traditional khayal compositions in rare and standard ragas, showcasing Kerkar’s command of intricate taans and emotive phrasing.

The track Bhairavi: Jaat Kahan Ho appears as the fourth selection on Side B of the vinyl. Kerkar performs the bandish in Raga Bhairavi, a morning raga associated with devotion and introspection. The composition follows the vilambit ektaal structure before transitioning into a faster drut teentaal. Accompaniment details for this recording remain undocumented, but historical accounts note Kerkar frequently collaborated with tabla virtuosos like Allarakha Khan and harmonium players from the Agra gharana.

The 2013 vinyl release marked one of the first modern reissues of Kerkar’s work on analog format. Original recordings likely date to the 1940s–1950s, captured during live performances or studio sessions in Mumbai. Canary Records sourced the audio from private collections and remastered the tracks for vinyl pressings. The album liner notes include an essay on Kerkar’s influence by musicologist Deepak Raja, though specific session metadata for Jaat Kahan Ho is not provided.

Kerkar received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1953 and the Padma Bhushan in 1969 for her contributions to Hindustani classical music. Her interpretations of Raga Todi, Raga Yaman, and Raga Bhairavi remain benchmark references in the Jaipur-Atrauli style. The 2013 vinyl release introduced her recordings to contemporary audiophiles, preserving a legacy that bridged the gayaki of Alladiya Khan and later 20th-century vocalists.