The spectacular kaleidoscope of the folk music of Rajasthan has an almost unending list of instruments that are rich, rare and provide music that ranges from simple to peppy fast tunes, to soulful, deep, introspective music. This album features two important instruments of the desert - Kamaycha and Pyaledar Sarangi.

KAMAYCHA: A bowed string instrument, it has a deep and soothing sound. It has a large belly with parchments. There are three main strings made of gut and metal strings that are used for sympathetic resonance. The number of these sympathetic strings varies from 9 to 11 to 14. The way these are arranged on the large bridge allows the instrumentalist to operate on these whenever he desires so. The bowing technique involves rhythmic phrases as well. The tuning of Kamaycha like other string instruments requires highly trained ear. It is the main instrument of the Manganiyars, the versatile professional caste musicians from Jaisalmer and Badmer districts. All the pieces on Kamaycha in this album are played by SAKAR KHAN, one of the senior most and highly respected Manganiyars.

PYALEDAR SARANGI: Yet another bowed string instrument, Pyaledar Sarangi has three main strings out of which, two are made of gut and the third is a steel string. Like other types of Sarangis in this case too there are sympathetic strings. However, what makes this instrument far more expressive is the fact that the two gut strings, which are used as the main strings, allow the player to cover one whole octave more above the regular octave. Naturally, this Sarangi has much larger range and as a solo instrument, it has vast possibilities.

LAKHA KHAN, one more exceptionally talented Manganiyar musician, renders all Sarangi pieces in this album. He is an accomplished vocalist as well. Other accompanying instruments: Dholak (Firoz Khan) and Khadtaal (Gazi Khan).