I have been going through this thread and somewhere I read about richness of Punjabi folk songs. Yes they are great. But as someone suggested to braden our minds, I want to pen down a few lines about Bayl music.
In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
The spirit of the baul is what gives force and validity to Sachin Dev Burman's songs.
An example of Lalon Shah's song.
"Where is Lord the sympathizer?
Search for him with the sentient guide
The mind misleads the eyes
The mountain is often lost behind one's own hair,
What fun, O my Lord, you always see
While sitting on the nigam
If I am so fortunate as to meet him in the world hereafter
How shall I possibly recognise him
For I haven't had any glimpse of him as yet?
You should adore him intelligently.
You may find nearby the treasure
After which you have set your heart."
And here are a couple of informations...
After setting up his first western classical music conservatory in Chennai, music maestro A.R. Rahman plans to set up the second one in Kolkata. He said he would love to explore talents from West Bengal.Speaking of Kolkata and music, Rahman said: 'The city breathes refreshing music. I was thoroughly inspired by the traditional baul music while composing for 'Mangal Pandey'.
And Kailash Kher is releasing his Baul album in 2010.