Director: Abi Varghese
Music director: Jakes Bejoy
Lyrics: Jelu Jayaraj (Mangoes), Manoj Kuroor (Rosie, Naadinu) and Raqeeb Alam (Asha, Beethe Din)
The name Jakes Bejoy first surfaced in the music circuit in 2007 when he composed the album Malayalee that had the hit number 'Minnalazhake', sung by Vineeth Sreenivasan, among other numbers. The album was well noticed, but it took seven more years for Bejoy to do first his film as a composer—Angels in 2014. (I apologise that I have not listened to the songs from Angels; I'll do that soon enough).
2016 is here, and the musician is at the helm of the music department of Monsoon Mangoes that has five tracks; it is the first commercial feature film to be directed by Abi Varghese, maker of the super-funny Malayalam sitcom Akkarakazchakal. It's playtime now.
» Mangoes (Singers: Rakesh Kishore, Jakes Bejoy, Udith)
The tune of the title track, a retro one, goes from ordinary to interesting as we move from the beginning to the end of the pallavi. It is a smooth sail from then on. The horns, the keys and the guitars collaborate to bring forth the pleasing tone of the song. By the time we reach the end of the anupallavi, it gets peppy with fine drums for company. The singers are splendid as well. 'Mangoes' is in good taste.
» Rosie (Shreya Ghoshal, Jakes Bejoy)
Credits go to Jakes for roping in Shreya Ghoshal for this funk, retro item song. Rosie is a fun respite for the gifted singer from the romantic numbers she usually sings in Malayalam. And she does a great job. Jakes' fresh vocals work well too when he makes his entry in the song. The deliberately sensual singing between the stanzas is a nice touch by the composer that enjoys our attention. The bass guitar-percussion interlude is another fine addition to the song. Rosie is highly enjoyable along with the visuals.
» Asha (Jagdish, Muhammed Aslam)
Jakes Bejoy attempts to make a romantic Bollywood track of the yesteryear and succeeds. The composer makes it sound special with the veena bit. Jagdish and Muhammed Aslam are perfect for the song too. Asha is a sweet, nostalgic melody that is purposely reminiscent of O.P. Nayyar tunes with a breezy Kishore Kumar feel to it.
» Naadinu (Vijay Yesudas, The Elfa Choir)
Vijay Yesudas sounds so much like his father Yesudas in this short gospel. The Elfa Choir provides him the right backing. A soft, well-packed track that lets you sway.
» Beethe Din (Abhishek, Mame Khan)
Bejoy tries his hand at ghazal with 'Beethe Din', the last track of Monsoon Mangoes. The singing is at its earthy best for this melancholic number. Nothing over-the-top but this song, accompanied by tabla, flute and sarangi, has its soul in the right place.
Verdict
Jakes Bejoy has delivered a neat album. Even though nothing extraordinary, Monsoon Mangoes doesn't disappoint. The lively 'Mangoes' and the catchy 'Rosie' are our picks from the album.