Nat Narayan, Khamaj Bahar, Nagad-dhwani Kanhra

Released in 1978 by EMI under the catalog number ECSD 2798, this recording captures Pandit Jasraj, a legendary exponent of the Mewati gharana of Hindustani classical music. The album features a contemplative selection of ragas, specifically Nat Narayan, Khamaj Bahar, and Nagad-dhwani Kanhra, showcasing Jasraj’s mastery of vocal ornamentation and his signature emotive style. It arrived during a period when the HMV and EMI labels were instrumental in documenting the performances of India’s classical maestros for a broader audience.

The cover art and production design follow the standard aesthetic conventions of late 1970s Indian classical vinyl releases, prioritizing clarity of artist identity and formal presentation. Pandit Jasraj was recognized for his innovative approach to traditional structures, often blending technical virtuosity with deep spiritual inquiry. This specific pressing serves as a representative example of how EMI preserved the nuanced, improvisational nature of North Indian vocal music during the transition toward digital media formats.