The album, Vandana’s second till date, is unique for its rendition, its carefully chosen collection of songs (from the 1950s until 2004) and for the musical arrangement of accompanying instruments. The songs do not imitate the original: in her arrangement, Vandana mostly does her own thing with the accompanying score (Neend Na Mujhko Aaye) and sometimes with the drift of the song (Kya Yahi Pyar Hai). With a Club Mix version of ‘O Hansini”, Kohli has taken the song out of the box!

Vandana’s touch is light and vivid, most evident in the opening number ‘Payali Chun Mun’. Her rendition of ‘Zara Zara’ is poignant, in the crest and trough of emphasis she chooses to lay. So is ‘Rim Jhim Gire Saavan’, with its simple, soulful play and arrangement.

The overall result aims to be a well rounded, lush interpretation of each number. Mixed in London by Chris Brown (former Senior Engineer at the Abbey Road Studio), the album’s sound reflects Chris’ distinct skill.

‘Tarana…Phir Bhi” aims to emphasize, even in its name, that melody, simply, after everything, is still King.

Album: TARANA…Phir Bhi (Vandana Kohli)
Music Company: T Series, 2008
Piano: Vandana Kohli
Percussion: Pankaj Banai
Guitar: Vijay Sachdeva
Bass Guitar: Samaresh Das
Strings: Andrew Ferrao
Music Arranged by: Vandana Kohli
Sound Recordist: Vijay Haldikar
Mixed by Chris Brown for SJP, London.