Raga - Ahir Bhairav

Rashid Khan performed Raga Ahir Bhairav as the opening track on the 2010 compilation album The Genius Of Ustad Rashid Khan. Saregama released the album on CD. The recording spans 27 minutes and 45 seconds, showcasing Khan’s interpretation of the morning raga within the Hindustani classical tradition.

The album positions Khan as a central figure in the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, a lineage known for its emphasis on vocal clarity and intricate taan patterns. The Genius Of Ustad Rashid Khan compiles selections from his career, though specific recording dates for individual tracks remain undocumented in available sources. Saregama, a prominent Indian label, distributed the release as part of its classical music catalog.

Raga Ahir Bhairav adheres to the raga’s characteristic structure, blending the Ahir and Bhairav thaat scales. Khan’s rendition incorporates alap, jor, and jhala sections followed by a vilambit and drut composition in Teentaal. Accompaniment details for this track are not explicitly credited in the album metadata, though traditional Hindustani performances typically feature tabla and tanpura support.

The 2010 compilation serves as an introductory anthology for listeners unfamiliar with Khan’s work, featuring extended improvisations and bandish compositions. Saregama’s production preserves the acoustic qualities of live or studio recordings, though mastering specifics are not publicly disclosed. The album cover and liner notes provide minimal contextual information beyond track listings and artist biographies.

Khan’s discography includes numerous live recordings and studio albums, with The Genius Of Ustad Rashid Khan functioning as a retrospective sampling. The inclusion of Raga Ahir Bhairav reflects its status as a foundational raga in North Indian classical repertoire, often performed during early morning hours. Further details about the recording session, such as location or accompanying artists, are not verified in accessible sources.