Goud Malhar: Maan Na Kari

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 a single long-form track per side, with Side B opening with Goud Malhar: Maan Na Kari as Track B1.

The composition Maan Na Kari belongs to Raga Goud Malhar, a monsoon-associated raga in the Malhar family. Kerkar’s rendition exemplifies her signature vocal control, meend (glissando), and intricate taan patterns. The recording captures her mature style from the mid-20th century, though the exact performance date remains undocumented. The vinyl format preserves the warmth and dynamic range of her unamplified voice, accompanied by minimal tanpura drone and tabla percussion.

The 2013 release marked one of the few commercial vinyl pressings of Kerkar’s work, targeting audiophile and archival markets. Canary Records sourced the master from private collections, remastering the audio for analog playback. No liner notes or session details accompany the release, and the original recording venue or accompanying artists go uncredited. The LP’s artwork replicates vintage Hindi script typography, aligning with the era of Kerkar’s active career.

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 Goud Malhar and other rare ragas remain reference points for the Jaipur-Atrauli repertoire. The 2013 vinyl serves as both a historical document and a collector’s item, bridging pre-independence recording techniques with contemporary analog revivalism.