This weekend, we attended a concert by two, not-very-famous but very, very talented artists. The concert featured Sitar recital by Shafiq Khan and Vocal recital by Jayateerth Mevundi. I had heard Jayateerth Mevundi a few years back and his music had left a long-lasting impression on me. So I was eagerly looking forward to this concert.

The concert commenced by the Sitar recital. Shafiq khan started off with Maru Bihag and then ended with Kalavathi. I think he is a really talented musician with lot of potential. He definitely held the audience's attention with his performance.

Jayateerth Mevundi sang Raag Marwa, Kedar and Bhairavi. His performance surpassed all my expectations. I am definitely awed by this musician. He sings with so much of involvement and ease that he makes his music very gratifying to listen. His taans are the main highlight of his music. It is sad that he has not got much of recognition here. Maybe because he does not stay in bangalore. Anyways I am looking forward to listening to more of him in future.

Here is some info I got about Jayateerth Mevundi from the WEB:

Jayateerth Mevundi hails from the land of great vocalists and maestros of Hindustani Classical Music, like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Dr. (Mrs.) Gangubai Hangal, Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Basavraj Rajguru and Pt. Kumar Gandharva and so on. Born in the year 1972, Jayateerth, according to many connoisseurs and critics of Hindustani Classical Music, is considered to be a torchbearer of Kirana Gharana. Jayateerth received his initial training in music under the tutelage of Sangeet Ratna Pt. Arjunsa Nakod of Gwalior Gharana for about 10 years. Since the year 1994 on wards he has been receiving musical lessons under the able guidance of Pt. Shripati Padegar, who is a disciple of great vocalist of this country, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi of Kirana Gharana.

Jayateerth Mevundi has won many accolades and awards, to name a few :
Second prize in “AIR” Hindustani Classical vocal competition during 1988-89, at Ahmedabad.First prize in the competition held at Dharwad in 1989-90, organized by “Karnataka Kathak Kendra”. First prize in the competition organized by :“Sangeet Research Academy”, Calcutta.He was awarded a scholarship for 3 years (1986-88) by “Karnataka Sangeet Nrutya Academy”, Bangalore and Mrs. Yamunabai Shahane Shastreeya Gayana Shishyavrutti by “Gaanavardhan” in 1993, Pune.He is a recipient of “Pt. Jasraj Gourav Puraskar” for the year 1995. Mewati Gharana Sangeet Gourav Puraskar is also awarded to Jayateerth for the year 2000.Jayateerth has participated in several music conferences including the ones at Mysore Dasara Festival, Sawai Gandharva Music Festival at Pune in 1995 as well as Kundgol, Alladia Khan music conference, Kumar Gandharva Music conference etc. He received many accolades at the 20th Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti,Samrat Sangeet Sammelan, Goa in January 2000.

Jayateerth has several private and public performances to his credit all over India. He has also rendered classical recital (three Raagas of 25Min.each) for E-TV, Marathi Channel.Jayateerth’s sonorous and mellifluous voice has been recorded in Audio Cassettes and released by ALURKAR MUSIC HOUSE, PUNE. In April 2000, two more audio cassettes have been released by Alurkar Music House, Pune.At present, Jayateerth is working at All India Radio, Panaji, Goa, and is an “A” grade artiste.