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A beautiful live recorded Asa Di Vaar by Bhai Avtar Singh Ji Raagi, Bhai Kultar Singh Ji & Bhai Swaran Singh Ji (Jorri). Bhai Avtar Singh Ji plays the Taus beautifully in this recording. We thank 'Gurmat Keertan' for making this recording available for the whole Saadhsangat.

Born on 8th January 1926, in village Saidpur in the former Kapurthala State, Bhai Avtar Singh is the 11th generation singer of an illustrious family of 'Raagis' who have sucessfully preserved and practiced this original unique 'ang' (style) of religious music. He, along with his brother the Bhai Gurcharan Singh and their nephew Bhai Swaran Singh (on tabla) have been performing Kirtan since 1946.

His family's association with the Gurus dates back to the 3rd Guru, Guru Amar Das (1479-1574) who resided in Goindwal. The Kirtan tradition started in their family during the times of Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606). His repertoire of old compositions (Reets) has the stamp of the style and structure of the singing practiced during the times of the Gurus (1690-1705). He is perhaps the sole exponent of the true style of rendering the 'Partaals' a unique variant of Dhrupad singing, originated by the 4th Guru, Guru Ram Das.

Bhai Avtar Singh started his training at the age of 10 under his illustrious father, Bhai Jawala Singh, who besides aquiring the musical heritage from his father, had the benefit of learning from two famous Ragis of the 19th century: Bhai Sarda Singh and Bhai Rangi Ram. From Bhai Rangi Ram came the music of the Udaasi (Ascetic) tradition which had its roots in the lineage of Swami Haridas, and which was passed down to Bhai Avtar Singh by his father.

Apart from rigorous Swar Saadhana and correct rendition of most intricate 'reets' (old compositions - Kirtees) Bhai Avtar Singh has also mastered the rare bow and string instrument of 'Taus', a melower version of the 'Dilruba'.

His singing is marked by an emotionally intense spiritual yearning (pukar), rooted in deep spiritual longing for the Eternal, Timeless (Akaal Purukh), having an affect of intense 'Virha' - so essential in Shabad Kirtan in Gurmat Sangeet tradition.

Bhai Avtar Singh's music is a frozen heritage of the 15/16th century's music tradition of North India. He belongs to a rare category of 'raagis' of the Sikh tradition who are fully conversant and apt in singing all the 'ragas', 'lores' and variants of the music contained in the Sikh scriptures.

Asa Ki Vaar(on Tanti Saaj) -  Bhai Avtar Singh Ji Ragi, Bhai Kultar Singh Ji, Bhai Swaran Singh Ji

45 MEREI MANN PREM LAGO HAR TEER

64 Jo Mange Thakur Apune Te

62 Jis Ke Sir Uppar Tu Suami So Dukh Kaisa Paawe

RAM SIMAR RAM SIMAR

AISEE MAANG GOBIND TE

Rajan Singh - Rehraas Saahib Keertan (Handsworth Park - Vaisakhi 2017)

ਨਿਰਬਾਣ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਕਰਤੇ ਕਾ ਨਿਮਖ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਜਿਤੁ ਛੂਟੈ ॥੧॥
In the state of Nirvaanaa, sing the Kirtan of the Creator's Praises; contemplating Him in meditation, even for an instant, one is saved. ||1||

64 Jo Mange Thakur Apune Te

Nirbaan Kirtan

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