Malkauns – Alap (part II)

Raag Malkauns – Ragini Miyan Ki Todi (Bombay 1968) is a 2024 archival release featuring a 1968 live recording by Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar. Black Sweat Records issued the album on 12\" vinyl on June 26, 2024.

The release captures a dhrupad performance in the Raag Malkauns tradition. The second track, titled Malkauns – Alap (part II), spans 21 minutes and 39 seconds. The artists employ the Dagarbani style, characterized by extended alap explorations and microtonal intonation. The recording location is identified as Bombay (now Mumbai), though the exact venue remains undocumented in available sources.

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar belong to the 19th generation of the Dagar lineage, a family renowned for preserving the dhrupad form. Their collaboration on this recording reflects the brother duo’s shared approach to raga elaboration, emphasizing meditative phrasing and rhythmic flexibility. The vinyl format preserves the analog warmth of the original tape, with mastering details unattributed in the release notes.

No additional session musicians or accompanying instrumentalists are credited. The album artwork and liner notes do not specify the recording engineer, producer, or original tape archivist. The label describes the release as part of a series dedicated to restoring and disseminating historical Indian classical performances.