KATHMANDU: Mukesh Malla, an artist and art critic, released a book On modern Nepali art titled ‘Adhunik Nepali Kalama Samakalin Sandharva’ on March 29. The launch organised by Apec Nepal was held at Nepal Art Council, Babermahal.The book is about post-Modernism in Nepali art, artists of Nepal and critical analyses of their work. Malla stated, “No one is aware of the direction Nepali art is taking. Quality art works and new technology of new artists are not being highlighted. These are some of the reasons why I have written this book.”Chief guest was Kedar Nath Acharya, ex-chief justice of the Supreme Court. Senior artists Uttam Nepali and Sashi Bikram Shah, chairman of Apec Nepal Bishwa Mohan Shrestha and litterateur Tara Nath Sharma also attended. Shah said that the kind of book Malla has written is a must in Nepal “to teach the people about art”. Malla has been writing since 1996. He has three books to his credit — ‘Tilukaghat’, ‘Chitrakala Nirupan’ and the latest. — Himalayan News Service

Jazz by the Trio KATHMANDU: The Hannah Vasanth Trio from Britain performed at the British Council courtyard on March 28. This was the last show in Nepal for the Trio who had come to participate in Jazzmandu 2004 before they left for home. “It was absolutely amazing being here,” said Vasanth, the 25-year-old pianist and songwriter of the band. “We don’t want to go back. Musically, culturally and socially, it has been a great experience. Jamming with the local boys was the best part especially at Patan.” Vasanth has worked with artist such as Celine Dion, Blazing Squad, Gloria Gaynor and Shania Twain. At the Council’s event, the Trio performed with Navin Chhetri, James, Siddhant and Jigmee of Cadenza. Brigitte Beraha, the vocalist of the Trio sang “Autumn Leaves”, “Corcovado”, “Shades of Blue” and a beautiful version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with Tom Mason on the bass guitar.

“Jazz comes from the heart and soul,” shared the Trio. A relaxing evening, they enthused that they definitely wanted to return again to Nepal and make more music. — Himalayan News Service

Sanjeev Singh’s Soul

KATHMANDU: Sanjeev Singh was able to establish himself as a singer with his debut album ‘Aakashbata’ in 2002. The title song “Aakashbata” and “Chulesima” were major hits. Now he is coming out with his second album ‘Soul’.

The lyricists of ‘Soul’ are singers Nima Rumba and Raman Singh Shrestha. Other lyricists include Deepesh Shrestha, Bhanu Thapa, Prakat Pangeni (he penned the popular track “Chulesima”) and the singer himself. The composers are Nima Rumba and Bhanu Thapa and other singers Deepesh Kishor Bhattarai, Sunil Bardewa and Sanjeev himself.

Within two-three weeks three music videos from ‘Soul’ will be aired as well — “Bishwas Thodera” written and compose by Bhanu Thapa, “Nirmaya” penned by Deepesh Shrestha and composed by Sanjeev and “Nidaunai Sakena” by Prakat Pangeni and composed by Deepesh Kishor Bhattarai. The album will hit the stores under the label of Music dot com. — Himalayan News Service