Nostalgia - II

Madan Kumar believes in exploring and experimenting with all possible techniques - tonguing, vamping, bending, chording - of playing harmonica. "There is no fun if you play harmonica in single reeds. What is then the difference between playing a harmonica and playing say a flute?" he asks.

He also believes in innovation and improvisation. "One need not necessarily copy the exact tune of a song composed by someone else for a film. One can always make improvisation," he says. When he plays, the full impact of this tiny musical instrument is felt as if a full-fledged orchestra is accompanying his harmonica.

Enjoy one such number:

Madan Kumar Live: Nostalgia

The Gujarat Harmonica Club had the privilege of seeing mouth organ maestro Madan Kumar perform live before a select gathering in Ahmedabad on August 4. He was in his elements and so were the audience who included harmonica players of varied experience.

We all gathered at Bansi Gajjar's home around 9 p.m. After a round of chit-chat, we requested Madan Kumar to play some numbers for us. "Let me start with my all-time favourite song which always triggers off nostalgic memories," he said.

Here is the song - Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kaha Ho Tum: