1990-1999

1990 – Dhaka University Open Air Concert Left to Right – Shelley, Chandan, Ranjan.

1990, the year when we started recording songs for our first album was at a time when good fortune smiled on us. Sargaam, a leading production company showed interest to produce it. For the next year and a half, we got busy working in and out of the studio, composing and recording songs. The recording experience was like a ‘tight rope’ walking as we had very little scope for perfection. Whatever sound we produced and songs we composed in the studio came truly form the bottom of our hearts. It took us almost 2 years to complete our recording. No sooner than later, the moment of truth had just arrived. Amidst speculation, Sargaam released our self titled 1^st album “Winning” on July 1991. It was regarded ‘the best album of the year’, some of the songs included : Ridoy Jurey, Shonar Meye, Dur Pahar, Mon Ki Je Chay, Neel Chokh, Andhare Tumi, Shundor Dhoroni, etc.

Cassette cover of the band’s first album

CD case of the first album.

Receiving loads of accolades from our fans, we were ‘walking on the moon’ and it was as if though we rediscovered ourselves on a different planet. Thrilled by the success, we continued performing at gigs, and people from all over came flooding in. As much as we wanted to get back to the studio for the 2^nd album, our muscial journey took off to a higher altitude of success and admiration. Seeking brilliance in our compositions, we stepped back into the studio to complete and launch our 2^nd album – “Ochena Shahar” on 1995 through Soundtek. Some of the songs included : Ochena Shahar, Ichche Kore, Mone Pore, Dhumketu, Sheeter Shokal, etc.

Line up for the first album Left to Right – Chandan, Tipu, Shelley, Biplob, Ranjan (circa 1991)

CD cover of the second album “Ochena Shahar”.

Line up for the second album Left to Right – Chandan, Tipu, Biplob, late Mobin. (circa – 1995)

Having released two albums in a span of 4 years, we paved our way to an even higher success and glory. A milestone indeed, we made our 1^st ever overseas tour in the Middle East . We continued performing at shows and concerts in and outside the country. We felt honored to have been regarded as one of the most acclaimed bands in our country coming from that era.

UAE Tour Left to Right – Tipu, Late Mobin, Biplob, Chandan (circa 1996)

   Nescafe Unplugged Left to Right – Chandan & Rassell (circa 1999)

Late 90’s were not the best of the time for us. We were taken aback quite a few steps and quite a few times. We had undergone some challenges having to deal with frequent changes in the band’s line-up. Despite some major shuffle, it was in the year 1998 we appeared in our 1^st ever music video. This gave us a new avenue of exposure. However, the road ahead of us was filled with pot holes and bumpy rides. After being withdrawn temporarily from our band activities, we performed at Nescafe Unplugged, yet another successful concert at Hotel Sheraton in 1999.

                                                            Left to Right – Rassell, Biplob, Morshed, Chandan. (circa 1999)