I was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh but travelled extensively through Asia, Europe, North America, Northern Africa and Central America, but now reside in Chandler, Arizona which is my home.
I listened to Rabindrasangeet (Tagore’s songs) as a child, as far back as I can remember and begged my parents for music lessons since second grade. Everyday after my chores, during our siesta, I pored over Tagore’s songbooks (Gitabitan) trying to digest the meaning of every word while mesmerized by the sound of vinyl records playing. It was not only the beginning of my love affair with the Bengali language but also my own spiritual journey that deeply resonated with the universal values of truth, love, beauty, empathy, humanity, spirituality, nature, unity and diversity so beautifully embraced by Tagore. His songs gave voice to how I felt and an eloquent medium to express those feelings.
My paternal grandmother, whom I’ve never met, was born in the Nadia district in India, where the natives are well known for their articulate pronunciation and enunciation of my mother tongue. Unbeknownst to me, my father taught me my grandmother’s Bengali – one of his greatest gifts bestowed upon me. And my mother, despite her dysphonia, approved of my music lessons.
Soon I left my homeland; but whenever faced with life’s challenges I retreated to Rabindrasangeet, my source of comfort and grounding. Recently I’ve tried to remember those songs and integrate my experiences from both the East and the West to create this album. It is a fusion of classical Tagore singing with new, original chord progressions, using both contemporary and ancient instruments, not traditionally accompanied with these songs - even eliminating the harmonium altogether, in some instances. Songs 6 -13 take this new approach; whereas Songs 1-5 and 14 are without chords in the more traditional style, with licks I have written to give it more pizzazz and perhaps appeal to the modern listener.
This album is a tribute to my parents, Dr. Shamsul Alam and Mrs. Khurshida Alam, and in memory of my Grandmother, Mrs. Zebunnessa Khatun and my teacher, Ustad Nitai Shah and for all who love Bengali, Rabindrasangeet, its enduring spirit and universal message. Special thanks to Liv Khalsa Singh, Satyam Patel, Dheeraj Shrestha, Mark DeCozio, and Daniel Hirtz. Also thanks to my brother Saif Alam, my uncle Alimul Haque, and my friends Marina Cleary, June Pohl, Sarah Angel, and Sabra & Zaf Mannan for their support.
Thank you for listening
Shahriar
"Even though traditional Rabindra-sangeet (Bengali Tagore music) has been around for over 100 years, Shahriar, in her debut album offers a fresh new rendition of Tagore. Her perfect articulation of Bengali, contemporary arrangement style, and obvious love for Tagore makes this, beautiful, inspired album draw-in audiences, both young and old, traditional and contemporary, from the East and the West."
Satyam Patel, Voice Coach, Creator of Voices Studio & Singer’s Connection
Dr. Shahriar Alam, a Technical Fellow, professor, better known for her patents & publications in Material Science & Engineering, returns to her roots. Her album is a unique juxtaposition of Tagore songs sung in the old classical style, accompanied by her very modern and original soundtracks. She combines novel and diverse instruments from all over the world to create broad, traditional and contemporary appeal.
“I am proud of the work you have done. It is no little thing to complete such an undertaking. It sounds lovely and you have done a wonderful job. Congratulations and thank you for sending me a copy”
Otto D’Angelo, Platinum Award Winning Producer, Emmy Award Winner, Creator of the Recording Artist