Vintage "Melodies"
By Daniel F. de Souza 

Fausto V. Da Costa recently released his Konkani CD "Golden Melodies of Goa", a unique and selective collection of Konkani hits of yester years. The collection of medleys was earlier released by him on an audio cassette, which received a encouraging response from the Konkani music lovers. 

By producing a  CD, exhibits his moving with the modern trend in the music scene. As a special bonus for Konkani music lovers he has included four full tracks of old golden hits viz., Vantto (C.Alvares & Mohana), Bhikechi Kott'ti (Aleixinho de Candolim), Dothik Rodttat (Minguel Rod) and Akashvanni (Jacinto Vaz). These undying Goan hits have given the CD a distinct edge. 

The CD is a rich tribute to the senior singers, composers and musicians of the Konkani stage and film world, who have left an indelible mark with their masterpieces. This collection of re-mixed medleys has some scintillating and pleasing music by Mumbai's famous Tony Dias.  

The first track begins with soothing Lisboa, Saud and Scoma Rajeant, a tribute to music wizard Chris Perry. This medley has been ably rendered by Nephie Rod, she follows with Bakra Bab, a song from the movie Mhoji Ghorkarn (tribute to Frank Fernand). Glenn Vaz with his melodious voice renders Bandra Festak, Conductor and Marialina (a tribute to H. Briton). To keep memories alive, the all time hit Dothik Roddtat of Minguel Rod is sung by Michael M. Michael once again lends his voice to bring forth the unfcomettable hit of Aleixinho de Candolim Bhikechi Kott_tti. In all there are 16 tracks giving the listener a wide collection of some all time old golden hits. Nephie Rod and Philip pay tribute to Anthony Mendes with their rendition of Sweater Kori, Taxi and Goddacho Pao.  

Dhol Mhojea Bhai, Claudia, and Nouro bring memories gushing back of the immortal konkanim film Nirmonn. Adeus, Calangute, Pitti Pitti Mog and Istor Mog Kornaranchi among others are the songs which are pleasing to listen to. However, the pick of the album undoubtedly is the duet Vantto, a tribute to C. Alvares & Ophelia. Vantto is rendered by Babli and Michael M. Sweet voiced Babli steps into her mother Ophelia's shoes to give this touching rendition showing the strains of Ophelia's voice running in full measure in her vocals too. You will be tempted to listen to this number over and over again. The song has some punchy music score with beautiful blowing instrument back up as well as guitar chord work.  

Moubailo Dou, Don Kallzam and Io Moga by Nephie and Allan Moraes are the last tracks on the CD taking one back to film 'Amchem Noxib' days. The CD is priced at an affordable Rs. 300/- which is accompanied by a lyrics booklet helping one to sing along. The producer's sense of selection of the old hits is really commendable which gives the music afficionados a rare collection of Konkani hits, all packed together in a single CD. "Golden Melodies of Goa" CD is a collector's item for the lovers of vintage Konkani hits.