Konkani Music CDs Review.
 
Daniel F. de Souza
Goan Wedding Songs

Mumbai based Goan Fausto Da Costa hardly needs any introduction. Besides being the Publisher & Editor of the 'The Goan Review' a bilingual Konkani-English illustrated bi-monthly, published from Mumbai, he is also the Founder & Chairman of the 'Goan Review Art Foundation' (GRAF) a Socio-Cultural Organisation which is keeping the Goan Cultural flag fluttering high among other Mumbai based Goans. Recently when the World Goa Heritage Day' 2002 Celebrations were held round the globe by Goans, GRAF organised a plethora of Goan Cultural events to commemorate the day. Recently, Fausto has come out with a konkani CD comprising of 'Goan Wedding Songs' under the banner of Dinfa Productions.

'Goan Wedding Songs' is an different kind of a CD which has a  collection of rare Goan traditional and cultural songs called the 'Zoti,  Vers, Ovis and Mandos' which are specially sung in Goa during the  wedding time and during the preparations for the wedding. For the present  day modern generation this is a treasure, specially when the Goan  traditions and age old practices are slowly being forgotten by the modern  generation. This CD is a collector's item for posterity. Zotis and Ovis are special ageold compositions that are sung during the preparation of   the wedding, imploring God's blessings on the preparations that are  carried out. Zotis are traditional Goan marriage ceremony songs sung at  the time of sending the trousseau, and having the rituals of 'Ross'  ceremony as also for the Lunch for the poor. ('Bhikareanchem Jevonn').  Besides there are special verses that are sung at the second day  celebrations, though in present times the second day is fast becoming  obsolete in many Goan families.

The Goan Wedding Songs CD starts with a beautiful rendition '  Mhaka Soirik Nhoi Re Zali' a special Manddo for the bride. The enchanting  voice of Babli makes the Manddo an instant hit with the listener.  This is followed by another beautiful Manddo 'Dis Bhuneadicho' specially  meant to be sung at the engagement ceremony is very meaningful and well  rendered. Other songs like; Rosak Noman, Ros Laitana, are songs dedicated  to the 'Ross' ritual gives the feeling that one is a part of the  traditional Goan wedding celebrations. The music arrangements are good and makes pleasant listening. Manddo'Zoddi' and 'Jevonn Randtana' a  vers symbolises true Goan identity. Babli once again captures the hearts  with her smooth rendition of another good Manddo 'Okol Resperak Vetana'.  The manddo has good musical accompaniment.

 Besides the above, Zoti, Ovi, Vers and Manddos, it also has the  Our Lady's Litany, and 'Laudate Dominum'. The CD ends with some popular  English and Portugues selections and finally the evergreen dance hit  'Birdie Song'. This CD having 20 numbers in all, comes with a free lyrics  booklet to sing along. Mumbai's famous Tony Dias provides the music and  it costs Rs. 250/- Mumbai based singers, Connie, Augustine, M.Kumar,   Babli, Michael M, Allan Moraes, PhilipT, Concy, Paul, Francis, Espy,  Paulin, Gable, Maria and Rosario lend their voice to this CD . Goans  should add the 'Goan Wedding Songs' CD to their collection for its sheer  rich traditional, cultural and posterity value.

Goan Folk Songs: This is yet another Goan Folk Songs CD brought forth by the Dinfa Productions. These rich Goan Folk Songs audio cassette was earlier released by Fr. Freddy da Costa several years back, which received tremendous response from the Goan music lovers. Converting this Audio into a CD is a timely decision from the Producers since with the arrival of CD players, audio cassetttes are now slowly fading into oblivion specially with Goans living abroad. Popular Goan singers have rendered their voice for this Goan Folk Songs CD viz., Y. Chico, John F, Albino-Aniceto, Marianinha Delaney, Melba Monteiro, Milena Marques, Orlando Vaz and others. Goa's renowned Musician Maestro Late Antoninho D'Souza the former Director of Music at the Emissora de Goa and later All India Radio, has done the musical score and arrangement. Besides, Maestro Late Lourdino Barretto has scored the music for a special number 'Kotrin Mana'. The CD is of a high standard with some meaningful lyrics highlighting the lifestyles of Goa and Goans.

Every folk song has a different theme and the music composed by  Maestro Antoninho does not only makes pleasant listening, but, is  exceptionally good. The rich and tasteful folk music further enhances the  beauty of the Goan Folk Songs and symbolises the true Goan identity. The  noticeable presence of the traditional Goan musical instruments such as  the Gumott, Violin, Cymbals, etc is clearly audible and makes the CD even  livelier. The CD comes with a free lyric booklet and has a price tag of  Rs. 250/-.

Comprising 17 Goan Folk Songs, this CD has an attractive jacket. Some of the Folk Songs in this CD are; 'Nach Amcho, Alleluia, Nanv mhojem  Henriquett, Kotrin Mana, Limca Dita, Ladru-Pedru, Deodit Mana, Alsuchi  Sun, Fulwali, Salu Tiva ani Kunnbi Goenche' which are of a exceptionally  high standard with respect to lyrics and the musical score.

Considering that the Goan Folk Songs and folk music are our cultural heritage, we should be proud of our roots and music and not hesitate to add this CD to the collection. Such beautiful and soul stirring folk music can only come from the likes of the late Maestro Antoninho D' Souza.