Maim O Maim’ an audio album by Voices of Caranzalem and presented by Gregory Fernandes has a collection of 13 songs on varied themes and presented in the form of solos, duet and duo.
The opening song ‘Dhinvas Devak’ by Gregory Fernandes is a song of praise to the Almighty. Despite of sinfulness by man, God is always loving and merciful, he mentions in his song. There are thefts and crime everywhere, women’s modesty is destroyed, yet God is always helpful and guards, protects everyone, he confesses.
The following solo ‘Nach’ by the same singer invites everyone to spend the day by singing, jumping and dancing. It is God who has provided the beautiful day and saved us from all calamities and ill health, he states, parents took pains to bring us up, they provided us good education and assisted us to stand on our feet. So there’s reason and to rejoice and dance, he concludes.
‘Apurbaiechi Dhuv’ a solo by Svetlana is a personal sharing of her childhood days. Although she receives love from her parents, she says her grandma is more affectionate as she takes extra care when sick. She dwells upon her talents, besides winning prizes in sports. And when she decides to settle in marriage, she says she has no greed for wealth and money, but would like to find a partner who will shower ample love. The following song ‘Bapaiche Ulhas’ by Gregory Fernandes is a cry of grief over the ungratefulness of children towards their parents. Due to illness and old age, he says is bedridden and become the slave of alcoholism.
‘Novem Voros Ailem’ another solo speaks about the departure of old year and arrival of the New Year. Let’s share in joy and sadness of everyone and live in peace, the singer appeals. Let us give up fights due to indifferences among people of different religions, he says, businessmen and farmers will pray for good returns. Let us hope for good innings, he concludes.
The title song ‘Maim O Maim’ by Gregory Fernandes focuses on the sacrificial life of his mother. Her hardships and trials are highlighted, besides the pains taken to provide good education. Despite the big family, he says, mother always had a soft corner for the last son, with special concern when moments of illness dawned.
‘Bhorvanso ‘ a song by Gregory and Sadira is all about bringing a ray of hope in the lives of two people. Friendship, love led to marriage, he says, when in sickness you are my medicine, when in sadness, you are my joy and happiness and when in darkness you are a shining star, the girl responds.
‘Goa Sobit Amchem’ a solo by Gregory is a rich tribute to beautiful Goa. He speaks about the colourful beaches, fields and mountains, people of different religions crowded in villages. Tourists flocking to Goa are taken up by surprise, watching the serenity and peace that prevail among the Goans, he says. The following song ‘Porikxeo zaleo Kobar’ by Gabriel and Gilroy is all about the examination fever and the relaxation that follows after examinations. Holidays have followed after all the tension, they mention and they explain the time table to be followed during vacations.
‘Feni Feni Feni’ a solo by Gregory highlights the medicinal aspect of this traditional Goan drink and the craze among the tourists. He also speaks about different drinks in various countries, but the uniqueness of Goa is the traditional feni, which adorns Goan feasts and weddings. The concluding song ‘Dhinvasnni’ is a more of a toast song, which could be rendered for weddings. It reflects on the final testimony at the altar and the call for deep trust in good and bad times, trusting the Lord always.
Gregory Fernandes has worked upon the lyrics and music, while Roque Lazarus has assisted in recording and music sequence, with background vocals by Voices of Caranzalem. Instead of several 0solos, more of duos, duets and chorals would have enriched the album.
