Neela Bhagwat

A master of the Gwalior style of singing, Neela Bhagwat has built her career on setting the words of medieval Indian poets, including Kabir, Shajo, and Meera, to intricate, raga-like melodies. The result was described by www.dhadkan.com as possessing the "pristine purity of tradition and a refreshing breeze of modernity." Bhagwat, who studied with gurus Pandit Sharadchandra Arolkar and Pandit Jal Balaporia, initially focused on India's classical repertoire. The shock of communal riots inspired her to begin singing Kabir bhajans in 1992. Her subsequent albums have included Colours of Khayal in 1994, Kabir 1 in 1996 and Kabir 2 in 1998. Bhagwat joined with British pianist, composer, and improviser Camilla Cancantata to record an album, Meeting Point, in 2000. ~ Craig Harris