“Pehli Sawan” is a captivating romantic track that beautifully encapsulates the essence of the first monsoon rains. Composed by the versatile Avra Banerjee, the song features the melodious vocals of Debanjali Lily, with lyrics penned by Ruma Chanda. The arrangement is skilfully crafted by Tamal Kanti Haldar, resulting in a harmonious blend of sounds that resonate deeply with listeners.
The song carries a soothing romantic aura, gently pulling the listener into a world where love meets the timeless charm of the rains. Set against the backdrop of a 7/4 rhythmic cycle, “Pehli Sawan” maintains a delicate balance between classical subtlety and contemporary expression. The unusual time signature adds a layer of depth and intrigue, while keeping the overall flow serene and soulful.
Avra Banerjee, known for his extensive training in Indian classical music, showcases his exceptional versatility in this composition. While deeply rooted in classical traditions, Avra seamlessly integrates contemporary elements, demonstrating his command over various genres.
His ability to fuse traditional and modern musical styles is evident in “Pehli Sawan” where he blends classical nuances with contemporary arrangements, resulting in a track that appeals to a diverse audience. Avra Banerjee’s diversity as a composer is evident from his 3 InterContinental Music Awards wins in different categories, demonstrating that even with a strong Indian classical background, he excels across contemporary musical genres.
Debanjali Lili’s melodious vocals are the heartbeat of this composition. Her expressive delivery captures every shade of longing, romance, and anticipation, making the listener feel the emotions at a deeply personal level. The two contrasting verses bring diversity to the composition, exploring different melodic contours while maintaining a cohesive narrative.
Lyrically, Ruma Chanda paints a vivid picture of love blossoming amidst the first showers, evoking nostalgia and freshness simultaneously. The poetry, combined with Avra Balanchi’s sensitive composition, creates a sonic experience that feels timeless. Tamal Kanti Haldar’s arrangement enhances the song’s immersive quality, blending soft instrumental textures with smooth transitions that complement the lyrical mood.
Sobhan Ahmadyar’s subtle tabla playing adds delicate rhythmic textures, perfectly complementing the melodic flow. His nuanced touch enhances the song’s emotional depth without ever overpowering it.
“Pehli Sawan” is not just a song; it is an emotion, a heartfelt celebration of romance, the magic of monsoon, and the power of music to transport listeners into another world. It’s melodious, soothing, and deeply immersive, a track that lingers long after it ends.
This is also to be noted that Blues Odyssey, his ambitious project, reflects his versatile, genre-crossing style and is being considered in several Grammy categories, including Best Instrumental Composition and Best Global Music Performance.
With these projects, Avra Banerjee continues to push musical boundaries, blending tradition and innovation to create works that resonate globally.
Listen to “Pehli Sawan”
• YouTube Video – https://youtu.be/I8Y_lQO4ixo
• Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/6uF00xWrneXNoYoGupol9F
Listen to “Blues Odyssey”
• Blues Odyssey FYC – https://www.avrabanerjee.com/fyc
