Acclaimed music composer Fuad Al Muqtadir has once again demonstrated his mastery in reviving classic songs. In his latest project, “Touch of Gold”, he has reimagined five beloved tracks from five renowned Bangladeshi bands, blending modern production techniques with the essence of the original compositions. The music collection was recently released under the label Be Here Now and has already drawn attention for its innovative approach.
The project brings together a mix of original and contemporary artists, creating a collaborative reinterpretation of each track:
| Original Song | Original Band | New Vocalist(s) | Distinctive Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghumnoto Shohore | LRB | Zohad Reza Chowdhury, Rayef Al Hasan Rafa, Shakib Chowdhury | Harmonised vocals, modern instrumentation |
| Adbhut Shei Cheleti | Orthoheen | Shakib Chowdhury | Emotional depth, contemporary arrangement |
| Shraboner Megh | Different Touch | Elita Karim | Rich orchestration, refreshed production |
| Bhoboghure | Cryptic Fate | Rayef Al Hasan Rafa | Strong rhythm, new instrumental textures |
| Rong | Watson Brothers | Zohad Reza Chowdhury | Layered harmonies, cinematic sound design |
Notable collaborations include Shakib Chowdhury of Cryptic Fate performing Orthoheen’s Adbhut Shei Cheleti, while Elita Karim delivers a fresh interpretation of Different Touch’s Shraboner Megh. Rayef Al Hasan Rafa lends his voice to Cryptic Fate’s Bhoboghure, and Zohad Reza Chowdhury reinterprets Watson Brothers’ Rong. The classic Ghumnoto Shohore from LRB features a unique collaboration of Zohad Reza Chowdhury, Rayef Al Hasan Rafa, and Shakib Chowdhury.
Fuad Al Muqtadir shared insights into his vision:
“In the 1990s, when these songs were first recorded, our technology was very limited. Our aim was to use today’s tools to present these compositions in a modern way. While this is a recreation, younger audiences are experiencing these songs as new. I am extremely proud of my team, who brought their best to every track, achieving exactly what we envisioned.”
Shakib Chowdhury reflected on the project, saying:
“If I were twenty years younger, I might have worried about altering the originals. But over time, I have learned that thoughtful rearrangements preserve the legacy while introducing the music to new listeners. Recreating these songs also encourages audiences to revisit the originals.”
Zohad Reza Chowdhury added:
“We grew up with these songs, and now, with new arrangements, they reach a completely new generation.”
Each track is accompanied by a music video produced by Runout Films and directed by Adnan Al Rajib. The videos creatively match the narrative of the lyrics, adding a visual dimension to the refreshed songs.