There are so many points that you can derive from listening to a good piece of music. Do not restrict yourself to particular "gharanas". Be open, listen to as many artistes as possible and see your horizons broaden.
There are many artistes who have influenced me immensely by the sheer magic of their music. While listening to these extraordinary people, we get an essence of Indian Classical Music, in its purest form. These artistes are not necessarily, the most popular ones but are definitely some of the most complete performers according to me. They have explored each and every aspect of the Raga in such depth, that each piece of music touches the soul!
I believe, Listening to good music is the first step towards learning good music. Personally, Its a great honour for me to be associated with the Agra Atrauli Gharana. According to me the Agra Atrauli Gharana signifies robustness and gentleness, a great command over "Taal" coupled with the most beautiful and soulful compositions. In these opposites lie the beauty of this remarkable Gharana.
Below listed are some of the artistes, which have made an indelible mark on my music.
Artiste: Late.PADMASHRI USTAD SHARAFAT HUSSAIN KHAN: One of the greatest exponents of the Agra-Atrauli gharana, an amazing composer and the most dynamic vocalist, of all times. A true legend of Indian Classical Music. Unfortunately, we do not have many recordings of this glorious artiste. Most of his recordings are in private collections. Listening to Khan Saheb's music, you feel a certain richness in his voice, which makes the ragas compelling to the core. There is an other worldly charm in his music, which is beyond compare.
Raag: Jaijaiwanti: Chairmans' Choice - HMV Records- 1996
Artiste: Pt. BUDHADITYA MUKHERJEE: One of the most admired young musicians of today. A Sitarist of great eminence and a performer par excellence. This is an artiste, who justifies that Music indeed has no bounds. His performances are thrilling for his listeners who are spellbound by the sheer power and beauty of his music. Whether it is the serene and composed Aalap or the clear and superfast taans, BudhadityaJi scores a perfect ten in all his performances.
Raag: Puriya -Times Music- Faces of a Raga Series - 1996
Artiste: Pt. VISHWAMOHAN BHATT: Creator of the "Mohan Veena", is an artiste whose creativity is not bounded by the realms of Indian Classical Music alone. He has experimented extensively in the fusion form of music and is a Grammy award winner for his invigorating musical album-"Meeting by the River"
Raag: Gujari Todi & Raag Behag, HMV records
Artistes: Ustad ZAKIR HUSSAIN and Pt. BIRJU MAHARAJ: The ultimate percussionist and tabla Wizard teams up with the legend of Kathak dance to form a jugalbandi which is unique and inimitable.
Jugalbandi- Kathak and Tabla- Navras Records - 1995
Artiste: Ustad RASHID KHAN: A young and immensely talented artiste, with a sonorous voice.
Raag: Puriya Dhanashri - Young Masters- Times Music- 1994