Raga Desi Todi: Thaat - Kafi, Taal - Jhumra

Ragas Desi Todi Abhogi Kanada is a studio album of North Indian classical music released in 1991. The recording features vocal performances by Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and his nephew Sharafat Ali Khan, both representatives of the Sham Chaurasia gharana. The album appeared on the Weston label in CD format.

The opening track presents Raga Desi Todi, structured within the Kafi thaat and set to Jhumra taal. The composition showcases the artists’ interpretation of the raga through alap, jor, and jhala sections followed by a bandish in vilambit and drut laya. The recording captures the khayal style with tan patterns and bol-banao taans characteristic of the gharana’s tradition. Additional details about the accompanying instrumentalists or recording location remain undocumented in available sources.

The album title indicates inclusion of Raga Abhogi Kanada, though specific track details for this or other compositions on the release are not provided in the referenced context. The 1991 CD marks one of several commercial recordings by Salamat Ali Khan, who gained recognition for his command over rare ragas and intricate taan sequences. Sharafat Ali Khan, his frequent collaborator, contributes vocal support and occasional solo phrases in the performance.

The Weston label, active during the late 20th century, specialized in archival and contemporary releases of Indian classical music. This album aligns with the label’s focus on preserving khayal and dhrupad traditions through high-fidelity studio recordings. No reissues or digital remasters of this specific release have been confirmed in public records.