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March 2016 Recordings

by Sandip Samaddar

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1.
Guru Thumhi 09:30
2.
3.
4.
Khomuk Life 09:30

about

In the world of art and music, there are few individuals who embody the spirit of the Renaissance, seamlessly blending the realms of sound, visual art, and craftsmanship. Sandip Samaddar is one such polymath, a master of multiple domains who invites us into a transcendent world of creativity. As a Baul musician, Sandip Samaddar's melodies transport us to a realm where the soul is laid bare through song. His hypnotic rhythms and haunting vocals resonate with the ancient traditions of the Bauls, wandering mystics of Bengal. With each note, he beckons us to explore the depths of our own existence and connect with the divine.

Beyond his musical and visual artistry, Sandip Samaddar crafts the instruments he plays with - that are not just tools but extensions of his soul. Each creation is a labor of love, meticulously handcrafted to produce the most exquisite sounds. His instruments become conduits for his emotions, resonating with a soulful purity that captivates all who listen. With hands that are equally adept at crafting music, painting, and instruments, Sandip extends his mastery to the world of leatherwork. His creations are more than mere accessories; they are expressions of his connection to nature, symbolizing the harmony between art, craft, and the earth's materials. Through his multidisciplinary artistry, he reminds us that all forms of expression are interconnected, that the boundaries between disciplines are fluid, and that the human spirit is boundless in its capacity to create and inspire.

About the Instruments:

The Dotara is a traditional musical instrument commonly used in the folk music of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The name "dotara" is derived from two Bengali words: "dot" meaning "two" and "tara" meaning "string." As the name suggests, the dotara typically has two strings, although there are variations with more strings. The dotara consists of a hollow wooden body, often made from a single piece of wood, with a round or cylindrical shape. It has a resonator made of wood or sometimes a gourd. The two strings are usually made of steel and are played with a plectrum or pick. The player can change the pitch of the instrument by pressing the strings against the fingerboard or frets, which are often made of bamboo or metal.The dotara is known for its warm, melodic tones and is used to accompany folk songs and ballads. It is a versatile instrument and is often played by Baul musicians, who are a mystic and wandering musical sect in Bengal. The dotara is also used in various other traditional and folk music genres throughout the region.

The "khomuk" (also spelled "khomok" or "khomak") is a traditional musical instrument used in Baul music, which is a form of folk and spiritual music that originated in the Bengal region of South Asia, primarily in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The khomuk is a distinctive and unique instrument associated with Baul musicians. The khomuk is essentially a type of percussion instrument. It consists of a small, handheld, double-headed drum. The drumheads are typically made of animal skin, and the body of the instrument is usually constructed from wood or clay. The player holds the khomuk with one hand and plays it by striking the drumheads with fingers, thumbs, or small sticks. The instrument produces a rhythmic and resonant sound that complements the vocal and melodic elements of Baul music. Baul musicians often use the khomuk to provide a rhythmic backdrop to their soulful and devotional songs. The instrument's simplicity and portability make it well-suited for the itinerant lifestyle of Baul musicians, who often travel from place to place to share their music and spiritual teachings.

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released October 5, 2023

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Forplay Society Kochi, India

Forplay is an autonomous artist run performance and art space founded by Seljuk Rustum in 2016 in Kochi, Kerala. Since its inception it has funded, produced, curated and promoted Theatre Productions, Performance Art Actions, Free Improv & Experimental music gatherings, Creative Workshops and Independent music from India and around the world.

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