Kesarbai Kerkar – Kesarbai Kerkar

I've come to learn a lot about Indian classical music from LPs that I have found over the many years at thrift stores, used record stores, etc. But I recognize that so many artists are lost to me because they released few records and also during a time when the LP wasn't as nearly popular as 78s. Kesarbai Kerkar was the foremost female vocalist of her generation, but like many artists during that time they prized live performances over recording. We are lucky to have any compilation of artists from that time, and Kesarbai Kerkar is no exception. It's important to note that before her, female vocalists were not given as much of an important standing as their counterpart male performers. Kesarbai Kerkar changed all this with her voice that cuts deep. Even those who compiled the record for the Voyager satellite flight outside of our solar system included one of her recordings as the only example of Indian music to reach into outer space. (The song 'Jaat Kahan Ho' is presented on this record.) She was also an incredibly feisty individual and totally uncompromising. Not someone who might have wanted to meet, but her dedication to her music was absolutely unparalleled. As soon as she recognized she was losing her skills in her older age she retired forever, even refusing to see friends so that they could always remember her for who she was. What a life!