Spend a musical evening listening to Langa music by leading vocalists from Jodhpur

Sadiq Khan, Asin Khan and Zakir Khan. Pic courtesy/@saz.music.official

The roar of cars and the incessant flow of traffic in Mumbai might be a far cry from the serene, shifting sands of Jodhpur, but that has not stopped SAZ from bringing some of their traditional desert melodies to town. The three-member group of - Sadiq Khan, Asin Khan and Zakir Khan - have been busy crafting and collaborating ahead of their new project. Their performance today at the intimate setting of Ankh studio in Chembur will bring to the city a taste of the new strains of Langa music.

"Music always attracts new things," says Asin Khan, the leading vocalist for the team, before adding that "It is also the same, no matter which genre you play -
folk or Western."

Sadiq Khan

Born in the Langa community - based mainly out of Rajasthan - the trio are the latest in the line of generational musicians. "It [music] is always around us," explains Sadiq Khan. The villages are music schools themselves. "In the early years, we were a little distracted by games. In time, the elders would sit us down and educate us that this music is our path. It is both career and tradition for kids in our lineage," he remarks.

There is more than just knowledge about songs and musical structures passed down. Asin shares, "We have been crafting music and songs that speak about kings and our patrons." Gatha aur katha, he calls it. "Folk music is always part of a narrative; a story. For instance, the Dhola maru song is by Dhola. This music is based on folk stories, and emotions that emerge from the stories. Often, when people do not understand the language or the meaning of the song, we explain it to them. The meaning and context of the music is very much a part of the experience," he elaborates. The community traditionally earned by performing their compositions at the request of patrons, at weddings or during other celebrations.

Zakir Khan playing the khartals

The Jodhpur RIFF emerged as a platform where they could express themselves. Yet, it was not until 2019 that the trio first performed together. "It was our first tour to China. Even then, we were just musicians performing together. But after the tour, we decided to team up," says Asin.

Divya Bhatia, festival director of Jodhpur RIFF and producer of the band in an individual capacity, explains, "While they were not a group back then, the response was phenomenal. So, when they came back with the idea of working together as a team, I decided to help out."

Asin Khan plays the Sindhi sarangi. Pics/Aishwarya Deodhar

Thus, SAZ was born. The name is a blend of the first letters of their first names, and a nod to the instruments that contribute to their heritage. Each musician brings a different instrument to the table. While Sadiq Khan plays the dholak, Zakir takes on the khartal and Asin plays the Sindhi sarangi, named so after the traditional patrons - Sindhi sipahis.

In the last few years, the trio have not just grown but evolved. Collaborating with diverse artistes, creating and composing new music, they are adapting to the modern demands of music. Their current visit to the city saw them collaborate with Rhys Sebastian's Saxontoast and Tarini Tripathi to mention a few. Bhatia adds, "They are still playing songs from the traditional school, but all their compositions are new. They are also now creating new songs and structures, and developing collaborations." Among their current projects is an album that the group is currently working on. While a date is not set, it will feature new compositions, says
Asin Khan.

Back in 2021, they first performed at SOHO House. This time, they return with a packed itinerary. "Through SAZ, the effort is to revive the traditional idiom and take it to people across the world," he concludes.

On August 12; 6 pm onwards
At Ankh Cube, beside Café Coffee Day, Deonar.
Call 9930009821 to RSVP (limited seating)
Free