Mumbai On Wax

Mimicry and comic songs from the dawn of the recording era in India

Between 1902 to 1908, European recording companies scoured India looking for interesting sounds and songs.

Suresh Chandvankar
· Aug 07, 2014 · 06:59 am
Rare early 20th century recordings of the lilting tunes of Mohammed Hussain Naginawale

The expert singer and master harmonium player was in great demand with the public and recording companies.

Suresh Chandvankar
· Jul 31, 2014 · 06:00 am
The many moods of Chanda Karwarkarin, a sparkling voice lost to history

These recordings reveal the huge talent of this singer, who lived during the golden age of Hindustani music in Mumbai yet sank into oblivion for unknown reasons.

Suresh Chandvankar
· Jul 24, 2014 · 06:00 am

The dazzling colours of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, from monsoon melodies to Carnatic compositions

The singer made the two recordings presented here three decades apart in Mumbai, offering us a glimpse of how his music evolved over the years.

Suresh Chandvankar
· Jul 17, 2014 · 07:47 am