Sacred Sounds of Kirtan stars Qi- Rattan
A story of romantic love and of Divine love
By: Nicci Dhamu
Creative Director www.Sohavi.com
27 March 15: They have been around since 2009, singing at Gurudwara's, private kirtan gatherings and Yoga festivals across Europe. They have just recently returned from their tour of Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai. As their style of music rapidly emerges across Europe and Asia, I felt it was time to explain the harmonious sound of this one soul in two bodies that are Jagdeep Kaur and Amritpal Singh, who have created this divine and magical love potion called Qi-Rattan putting them on the map of world music playlists. I assure you, hear them once and you'll be smitten by their unique sound it will fill and heal any empty spaces in your heart.
They were formally introduced to each other through their families and a 3-hour conversation developed into a beautiful love story, which soon bonded with creativity and musical talent at the heart of their marriage. "The bond between Amritpal and I runs far deeper than just being husband and wife" say's Jagdeep Kaur. "The connection we have with each other is what is expressed through the Gurbani Kirtan that we sing, this helps us to understand and connect with the Divine and this energy is what is projected to the sangat" The respect and passion they feel for Guru Granth Sahib Ji is very visible.
Alongside the popularity of Yoga in the West over the last decade, we have also witnessed the inseparable interest in musical chants and shabads complimentary to yoga ripple across the horizons. There is a wonderful array of new age music available on iTunes to Amazon and it includes music for all kinds of yoga, relaxation and meditation. There are many established and emerging artists creating fusion sounds with classical Indian instruments combined with powerful ancient chants. For some its easy listening for relaxation and others it compliments their spiritual practice during the ambrosial hours at dawn. It doesn't matter if you don't understand the shabads, after all kirtan sung from the heart, is the universal song of the soul.
Kirtan as we know it, is not exclusive to Hindu and Sikh traditions, devotional singing has existed in many ancient cultures. Gurbani written in seasonal raag's have vital musical qualities and their "soul" purpose is to open the heart, raise our vibration and heal us at cellular level. We are normally encouraged to join in with kirtan, where all voices merge together as one. When sung from the heart the sound current and energy one feels can induce profound states that carry us within to experience meditation, bliss and ecstasy. In essence whether you are singing or listening to Kirtan, it is a spiritual practice. It is a real blessing that extremely talented Qi-Rattan are on a path of sharing Gurbani kirtan, which is being deeply appreciated by those being drawn to it regardless of their cultural and religious background
Their simran jaap has had over 46,000 views since November 2013.
| Qi-Rattan live Simran Jaap (Mass Meditation Chanting) 3rd November 2013 |
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Published on Nov 12, 2013 |
Jagdeep Kaur 32 years, now also a mother learned to play guitar in school and was bought up learning kirtan from her father. Although her parents recognised her charming musical ability she was encouraged to focus on training in Chinese Medicine, Reiki, Acupuncture and Healing with Sound, which became the foundation of a holistic lifestyle.
Amritpal Singh comes from a great lineage of musicians. His great grandfather played the Sarangi, often asked to perform in the Royal courts in India. His first music teacher was his father, Bhai Gurdiyal Singh Rasiya. Well known and highly respected in the UK and across Europe, Amritpal's father often asked him to accompany him on his kirtan tours to play the tabla. Over the last 10 years, Amritpal has developed his talent specifically with revered tabla supremo Pandit Yogesh Samsi. One just has to tune into Amritpal's rhythmic performances, which are delivered with delightful clarity that is almost hypnotic to know he's passionate about tabla after all; he's been playing since the age of 10. He is now considered to be one of the UK's leading Tabla players.
And so, it was a momentous evening, early in 2009, when Jagdeep finally agreed to sing with her guitar at one of Amritpal's events called the Kirtan Development Project. Accompanied by Amritpal on tabla that evening, Jagdeep singing from her heart, mesmerised her audience with a voice full of emotion, so beautiful that she bought heart cleansing tears to peoples eyes. And so, Qi-Rattan began its journey and with the changing winds, what followed was a series of events. In 2011, by some Divine challenge, Jagdeep was called to stand in for Snatam Kaur when she was unwell, unable to perform at a publicised event. Excited yet nervous, Jagdeep accepted the invitation, she took a deep breath and went on to stage and sang, touching peoples hearts intimately.
The talented duo Qi-Rattan had been spotted that evening and became known to esteemed West London Kundalini Yoga teacher Rashpal Kaur Hayre, who introduced them to Abbey Road Studios and has been a catalyst in many respects, urging them to record their debut album titled Tarang - The Divine Flow. Jagdeep's lush voice is central to the success of Qi-Rattan, she can naturally hold notes, sing breath taking melodic harmonies in chocolate velvety tones together with sacred Guru mantra is the elixir of Qi- Rattan. Amritpal's expert ability in classical tabla, gently nurtures Jagdeep's voice, allowing the musical composition to blossom like a flower in the sun. These elements are truly uplifting and complimentary to each other. Wondering where the inspiration for the compositions for their Kirtan came from I asked, "So who writes the music"? Jagdeep explained, " Most of the compositions belong to Amritpal's father, the rest are created and improvised as to how I feel at the time". She has become an inspiration for young Sikhs interested in learning and performing Gurbani kirtan.
Although their musical roots are classical, Qi-Rattan have evolved a contemporary style of kirtan that appeals to all kinds of people and of all ages. On their latest album titled Jaag Re - "Awaken", they have chosen to sing Guru Arjan Dev Ji's bani. Jaag-Re and Teraa Keeya written in Raag Aasaa, in humbling essence. Guru Ji encouraging one to rise to our highest consciousness, to awaken to the false illusions of attachments. And in Teraa Keeya, expressing their total and complete acceptance of their imminent martyrdom.
| Qi Rattan: 'Jaag Re - Awaken' New Album Teaser |
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Published on Sep 23, 2014 |
Jagdeep Kaur engages the sangat by explaining the meaning of Gurbani to a culturally mixed audience, in a conversational style. The connection she creates with the sangat is very heart warming. Most of all, you'll love to hear Jagdeep Kaur play the 12 string acoustic guitar, together with an excellent orchestra of musicians playing the double bass, bass guitar, synths & piano as well as the violin. Its exciting to know that another album is almost ready, to be released in the near future. Immerse yourself to experience divine flow with Gurbani kirtan. Listen to the beautiful voice of Jagdeep Kaur, it will let your sprit soar, in synergy with the Qi-Rattan ethos, reach inwards and discover the jewel within. Music is the food of love.
Discover it here:
| Qi-Rattan "Bhandd Janmiye" - Live @ KDP22 |
| Published on Feb 6, 2013 Official recording available from http://www.thekdp.com/audio - KDP22 Official Website: www.Qi-Rattan.com Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/QiRattan YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/QiRattan Twitter: www.twitter.com/QiRattan Click on the following link to download Qi-Rattan's debut album on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/tar... |
More information
www.Qi-Rattan.com