For the past year I've been somewhat mesmerized by a vintage recording I have of Ustad Amir Khan singing a khayal in raag Shuddh Kalyan (SK)--it's quite unlike any i've heard from other singers in the Hindustani classical tradition. Its very slow tempo beginning (alaapi) is soothing and spiritual, as his alaapi always tends to be. This particular recital is remarkable in that he maintains the slow tempo even when he indulges in intricate taans further on. SK of course has affinities with raag Bhoop, but the interesting and subtle movement around teevra madhyam (the sharp 4th note) makes it distinct. His typical vocal mannerisms are in full evidence, using a voice that suits the style he had fashioned: a very slow tempo (ativilambit laya) khayal with the repose found in dhrupad singing. Always meditative in character. And lyrical--i'm tempted to call it lyrical dhrupad.

I've taken to singing this alaapi every day, at least in the way it has inspired me, incorporating phrases that my own guru taught me when singing this raag.

i'll soon put up a few minutes of Amir Khan's original for listeners to savor.