Monday 25 August 2014

Rocking Remix: Music Review of The Bartender – Classic Bollywood with a Twist

Listening to The Bartender – Classic Bollywood with a Twist makes you want to hear the original songs and fall in love with both the versions. Mikey McCleary has an ace of an album up his sleeve.


The name Mikey McCleary will have scratching your head to figure. If you loved heard the fabulous remixes of Khoya Khoya Chaand, Hawaa Hawaaii in Shaitan or Pukarta Chala Hoon Main or recently Mast Kalandar in David, clap for this guy. His latest offering, The Bartender – Classic Bollywood with a Twist has some unusual Bollywood classics up for musical bartending.

The first to go under the knife is a cabaret number, Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai. The cabaret feel has been charged up with some great use of drums, guitar and trumpets. It has been given a jazzy feel. Shalmali Kholgade does a fabulous job singing this Asha Bhonsle number and provides a husky feel to the song. You will never believe when you hear Anushka Manchanda take on the classic Jagjit Singh ghazal Tum Jo Itna Muskura Rahe Ho. It becomes Mikey’s Blues number where slow drums beats, trumpets and guitar bring in a different thehrav to the song. Anushka’s blues style singing brings in an amazing melancholic side. You hear it while downing a whiskey.

Mikey’s version of the amazing Mohammed Rafi number Aaj Mausam keeps the peppy mode of the song alive, while adding a certain speed to the song. Mauli sings with the same energy, mischievousness and fun as the legend had. The small flute or trumpet pieces are great. Mikey has picked a Geeta Dutt classic, Aey Meherbaan and he has made an unknown Saba Azad sing the song. No, she does not sound like Dutt and that is the best thing. Dutt’s innocent seduction through her singing changes in a throaty flirtation with Saba. Here we see an excellent use of the instruments like accordion, drums, and clarinet.

Shalmali’s rendition of the classic Kishore Kumar number, Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si, makes her match Kumar’s teasing nature. Of course, Shalmali’s version is more sensuous. Adding to it, Mikey adds a touch of casualness to a rather peppy number, with drums, cornet (if I am correct), keyboards and the works. Shalmali returns with a classy rustic song, Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri and both the song and singer are unrecognisable. Her husky version makes the song fit for romantic tryst with your loved one in a cosy posh place. The use of trombone makes this desi song peppy.

Woh Haseen Dard De Do has Shalmali bring certain innocence to this song. A Chinese effect is heightened with the trombone and drums. Its romantic side becomes extra special. Fans of old Hindi classics should not offended by these remixed versions, as Mikey McCleary comes with yet another ace of an album - The Bartender – Classic Bollywood with a Twist. Play it anywhere for a casual atmosphere.

Photo Credit: indiawest.com