May 18, 1998

Wenders' camera has managed to capture some magnificent landscapes. His lens sweeps across vast expanses of land, primarily Australian and mostly shorn of humans. An additional treat: the screening of 10 films (including Wrong Move, Alice in the Cities and Summer in the City) by this multi-faceted man.

50 Years of Photo Journalism in India
(Gallery Romain Rolland, Alliance Francaise, Delhi May 8-12)

These are photographs you want to see again and again, from pre-Independence milestones to post-'47 personalities, from dreaded forest brigand Veerappan enjoying a meal to Rajiv Gandhi consoling his son at Mrs Gandhi's funeral. As a special tribute, the exhibition will feature 19 photographs by India's first woman photo journalist, Homai Vyarawala.

MUSIC

The Very Best of J.J. Cale
(Polygram; Rs 95)

All-time hits from one of the greatest blues artistes of all time. The album includes numbers like Call me the breeze, Cocaine and After midnight. As Mark Knopfler's quote on the cover goes, "Twenty nifty tunes to take you from Texas to Tijuana." Or as simple folk might say: 20 fabulous songs for less than a hundred bucks!

Moai--Monica Ramos
(Milestone Entertainment; Rs 100

Monica Ramos, a Chilean by birth, displays her mastery over her chosen musical instrument in her debut album. While she plays the harp, her brother occasionally accompanies her on the guitar and violin. The result of this family collaboration is a highly enjoyable album.

Gauhar, The Pearl of Darbhanga Dhrupad--Pandit Abhay Narayan Mallick
(Ninaad; Rs 75)

The Gauhar Bani or Darbhanga Dhrupad, a style that was first invented by Swami Haridas and Tansen, is the rarer branch of Dhrupad, which is the oldest surviving tradition in Hindustani vocal music. This album by Pandit Abhay Narayan Mallick is an absolute treat.

DANCE

Passages
(Sri Ram Centre, Delhi; May 18)

Presented by Natya Ballet Centre and jointly choreographed by Gilles Chuyen and Navtej Singh Johar, Passages combines elements of Bharatnatyam, Chhau, ballet, modern jazz and contemporary western dance. The two artistes have managed an interesting experiment in fusion.

ODD ENDS

Under The Banyan Tree--Usha Uthup
(Sky Music; Four-Cassette Set with Read-Along Books; Rs 120 Each)

This album has Uthup as a narrator of Indian folk tales -- all of them in English -- and singing the occasional song. "Children have always been close to my heart," says the lady. Hear her tell of the capers of Bhootramji in Curly Tale from Bihar or a bad-tempered snake in Hiss ... Don't Bite (Bengal), and you'll believe her.

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