Manohari Singh - The Maestro of Saxophone

Seventy years ago he was just like another schooldeliver his work with benchmark of quality.
going boy but today he is the epitome of music. Be it aIn Mumbai Dada was invited in the Bombay Lab
small segment of just five seconds or a solo of fiveStudios for the first time to give background music. It
minutes but the passion and pride with which thiswas here that was introduced to other leading
gentleman works and gives complete justice to hiscomposers like S.D. Burman, R.D Burman, Laxmikant,
brass reed instrument with gradually widening tubeSumant Raj and many others. It was the song Tumhe
popularly called as the "Saxophone" is absolutely mindYaad Hoga Kabhi Hum Mile The from Satta Bazaar
blowing.that made Dada become famous overnight. Dada also
The senior most as well as renowned saxophonist inhas an album titled 'Sax Appeal' to his credit, which
the Indian music industry he is none other thancontains the artistic expression of his saxophone. He
Manohari Singh nicknamed as "Manohari Da" or simplyalso had the opportunity to work with Ashok Patki and
"Dada" who has been bestowed with the Dada Phalkegive his contributions to Marathi Film Industry.
Academy award for his invaluable contribution to cineManohari Singh is also the Mumbai film industry's last
music as well as O.P. Nayyar Award for hissurviving links with members of RD's original band who
contribution to the Hindi film industry.played for the saxophonist and mandolin. One must
Born in Kolkata (March 08 1931) and continuing theadmit that the real musicians behind film songs should
legacy of his family of musicians he is known to havebe bought in the forefront and be perceptible.
set golden standards as a musician, arranger andMusicians may be working from an area concealed
composer is a consummate master of his craft. Whatfrom public view but they too need to be recognized
intrigues me is the fact what sets this octogenarianfor their work.
apart from the rest of the crowd with sparklingGrowing popularity of stage shows in recent times has
difference and brimming confidence?given more visibility and recognition to Dada. It's not
If there were anything that is being controlled byonly the talent but the passion that makes him a
passion for Manohari Singh then it would be hislegend. In spite of being up in age the passion and pride
gold-plated saxophone bought from New York in 1969.Dada takes in his work generates positive energy and
He makes it certain that he keeps his gold-platedis instrumental in captivating the heart of his music
Saxophone away from the dust neat and clean tolovers.