Album Notes

A few years ago, I chanced upon a book on the life of Meera Bai, a princess and devotee of Krishna, from 16th century Rajasthan (India). I was familiar with her poetry and her life story already, but this particular hagiography created a lasting impression on me. I realized that she was a woman far beyond her times, a woman who had the strength of conviction to take on the royal household and the social mores of her day, and finally...and here is where I made the strongest connection...a woman passionately in love.

Her songs are simultaneously spiritual and emotional, physical and philosophical, and filled with an almost child-like innocence. Above all, her songs are about love in all its wondrous colors. As I read her poetry over several nights, the melodies came to me naturally for the most part and settled into various raagas (melodic modes) and taals (rhythms) from the classical and folk repertoire of North India. What you will hear in this album is a collection of these love songs, inspired by the love of Meera and everyone who has touched my life over the years.

Satish Gadagkar on the violin, Mohan Bhide on the harmonium, Kuntal Roy on the tabla and Daibashish Gangopadhyay on the tanpura provide accompaniment and create a wonderful ambience for the singing voice.

--Srivani Jade (Composer/ Vocals)