"DESI VIBES"

K.B. & The Gang

The second album from Kebi Dhindsa and his band is scripted by the man himself and was brought together from "... a collection of thoughts and experiences that I myself had been through ..."

The track Nachde Punjabi from the album has become the shining star on this eight-tracker of modern Indian music, and the primary cause of its prolific rotation on radio which has helped it become an anthem for Punjabi's everywhere. The album also includes the toe-tapping Q Ve Raate Aayae Na and Yaari Alrahan Di , the up-tempo Kuriye Majajane and the romantic Sanu Sadde Sajna Da - tear-jerker. The album's overall presence is one that leans heavily on Kebi's hard edge vocals, the traditional beats and sounds of the producer and the ocean deep lyrics of the songs. The album cemented Kebi's dramatic rise in Bhangra when he was presented with another award in 1996 - Best Newcomer - one more prestigious accolade for the band and their music.

"STAYIN' REAL"

JAZZY B

Jazzy B is known as the Crown Prince of Bhangra. Born in Punjab and raised in Canada, Jazzy B has introduced to the world a fresh new image of traditional Bhangra music.

Jaswinder Singh Bains, aka Jazzy B, returned to the music scene in 2000 with his sixth album Stayin' Real after an 18 month gap. Any artist who's tasted success knows the burden of fame's expectation. This is the driving factor behind the man, the words and the new sound. His pugnacious vocal delivery and the ease and pronunciation of the most desi of consonants proves that Jazzy B has that special something.

It would be easy to dismiss Jazzy's evocatively titled Stayin' Real as another piece of Bhangra normality, but this album is sure to take hold of your musical senses with a firm grip. Musically, this is one of Sukshinder Shinda's strongest productions and you tend to forget that he is the man behind the switches - the vibe is so far fetched compared to his trademark sound of the past decade. Stayin' Real lets Jazzy B roam into a new world as he experiments with a host of musical ranges and vocals. Its not just hard-hitting Bhangra tracks, but a cornucopia of styles that will gain the Canadian sensation a new legion of fans.

"JUST-DA-FIED"

VIRK RANJIT

Virk Ranjit is a name that is not yet synonymous with Punjabi music in the UK - yet. But, Virk Ranjit is a man out for musical revenge. There's nothing that really makes sense in Bhangra nowadays. While others sing his songs and take the applause, the originators are left in the shadows waiting for their turn to shine. Now is Virk Ranjit's time, this is his moment. It's time to stand up and take his place and fight back. These are the facts , Virk Ranjit's cause is JUSTdaFIED.

"2nd NATURE"

ANAKHI

"unique ... refreshing ... different ... overpowering ... meaningful ... cool ..."

The title certainly gives the secret away. This is the rebirth for Surjit Singh and his own one-man show. His par de excellence is 2nd Nature which brings the sounds indebted to both traditional Bhangra and UK street and club beats to the boil.

The elevating vocal acrobatics of Surjit Singh scurry through a host of demanding and ambitious rhythms and melodies guided by the innovating touch of hit-man Pete Ware.

"ON A MISSION"

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Eight brand new songs including five penned by renowned lyricist Jasvir Gaunachoria from the rich heartland of Punjab make ON A MISSION of the most vocalistic albums of the year. Leading with the Canadian-trained vocal acrobatics of Jazzy B singing Hoange Taakrai, Inderjit Nikku comes forward to deliver probably the most explosive debut track of many years. The two-step garage beats of Hai Billo Nee Munda should make his name overnight. Prepare your rewind button for overtime!

Aashiko Mehar Karo and Kaunya Bai Kaunya by Parminder Sandhu and Jind by Sukhdev Darapuria lay further claims to ON A MISSION's and Jasvir Gaunachoria's star credentials. Punjab's most underrated vocal talent, Sabar Koti, enters the fray with Dil Ashiqa De before a storming finale is delivered with Dil Mang Da from the sugary-sweet voice of Satvinder Bitti. Like the album name suggest, these vocalists are all on a mission to deliver the sound, the stories and the sensations of Punjab ... enjoy the experience.

album notes written by Jatender Heer