Kamini Natarajan – Meera (self-release, 2023)
Renowned Indian classical vocalist Kamini Natarajan celebrates the enduring legacy of the 16th-century Indian saint and mystic poet, Meera Bai, with the release of Meera. This collection comprises eight enchanting bhajans, or devotional songs, written by the revered poet. Kamini’s rendition beautifully delves into a spectrum of emotions, encompassing devotion, love, yearning, happiness, unease, respect, and appreciation.
The album Meera weaves traditional Indian Classical instruments like lovely sitar, tabla, khanjira, ghatam, and bansuri, infusing a subtle Western influence with delightful cello, bass, and a touch of synths. Each bhajan offers a divine journey for the listener, paying homage to the timeless beauty of Meera Bai’s poetry and extending her work to a contemporary global audience.
Kamini Natarajan, the driving force behind this project, reflects on the origin of these songs, composed in the 1990s by her mother, Uma Natarajan. She expresses her deep connection to this music and the collaborative effort that brought it to life, crediting fellow artists such as Eddie Young on cello, Will Marsh on sitar, and Dr. Ashish Ranade on tabla.
Meera Bai, a trailblazing figure of her time, defied societal norms by openly expressing her love for Krishna and resisting the imposition of others’ choices on her life. Her poems stand as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, inspiring women to be true to themselves and advocate for their freedom. Meera Bai’s verses remain relevant in the modern pursuit of liberty, advocating love, compassion, and understanding while underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity and the collective effort needed to build a just and equitable world.
Kamini Natarajan’s musical career traces its roots to central India, where her mother, Uma Natarajan, initiated her into a lineage of devotional singers spanning five generations. Kamini’s passion for Indian Classical Music began at a young age, evolving into rigorous vocal training under the guidance of masters in the field. Her journey includes noteworthy performances at national music festivals, recognition from All India Radio, and appearances on Indian national television.
Having relocated to Los Angeles, Kamini broadened her musical horizons, collaborating with diverse artists and engaging in cross-genre projects, from rock and EDM to Armenian and Persian music, and jazz. Her track record includes collaborations with celebrated artists like Jai Uttal and contributing to various music albums.
Kamini’s enchanting voice has graced major music festivals in California and around the world, making her one of the first Indian Classical singers to perform at these events. Currently residing in Los Angeles, she continues to teach Indian classical music, perform, and record. Kamini’s expertise in Raga and soulful voice captivate audiences, leaving them enchanted and yearning for more. Her music transcends the mundane, guiding listeners into a realm of pure bliss, away from the stresses of everyday life. Kamini’s dedication to preserving Indian Ragas is also evident in her e-book, Indian Ragas for Kirtans, a valuable resource for aspiring learners.
Buy Meera.
Author: Madison Quinn
