BEST OF BALLY SAGOO

EDITOR'S HOT PICKS 1. 'Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha' 2. 'Choli Ke Peeche' 3. Bollywood Flashback 4. Bollywood Flashback II 5. Hanji

Bally who.... did I hear you say? If you haven't got any of Bally Sagoo's CD's in your collection, you really don't know what you've been missing. Bally Sagoo heralded as the 'Godfather of Bhangra' and 'The mix master' is once again dominating the Asian and mainstream music scene. As he is a prolific writer, composer, compiler and producer, it is hard to choose Sagoo favourites....but I had a go anyway! Although Sagoo has now lost Gunjan to the Americans, their 'Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha' CD single together is simply terrific - I never tire of hearing it. Second is that other infamous CD single 'Choli Ke Peeche'. Without those two CD singles, your collection really isn't complete. After that come his two Bollywood compilations, Bollywood Flashback and Bollywood Flashback II and finally for a realy urband Bhangra compilation check out 'Hanji'. Click here to check out all the Bally Sagoo CDs we have in stock.

ABOUT BALLY SAGOO

Born in India, Bally Sagoo moved to the UK when he was a child, into a predominantly black community which was a stark contrast to his Asian heritage. From the tender age of ten years old Sagoo got a taste for making music and started producing tunes from his modest bedroom which is now renowned as the legendary 'Currywood Studios' where Bally Sagoo - a star was born. A minority amongst his peers he grew up listening to the retro beats of disco, motown, reggae and soul and discovered a proclivity for black music. Intrinsically, he was not interested in Asian music as there was not a UK Asian music scene, so he set his sights on making funky Asian music - a decision he knew would rewrite the rule books.

Not one to waste his talents he thrived off the buzz of producing music and kept reworking old songs and perfecting his sound. Uninterested in his studies he preferred playing at school events and was Dee - jaying at every given opportunity which started to turn his dream into a lucrative business when he could charge money for the records produced from his modest 'Currywood Studios'. A true perfectionist and innovator Sagoo experimented and mixed Indian songs with western beats which lead to his big break in 1989, when he was talent spotted by a local record label, Oriental Star Agency. A year on saw his first major release with his remix of a track called 'Hey Jamalo' which forced critics to sit up and take notice of him. Sagoo was forced to take a gamble on his music career and give up his well paid sales job to become a full-time in house producer at the Oriental Star Agency. It was at this point that he was first celebrated for bringing Indian music into the highly contemporary yet competitive music scene. Every Asian kid couldn't get enough of his new, creative sound and the music industry was beginning to take notice of this talented creator who was revolutionising Indian music and popular culture in general.

Blessed with the Midas Touch, in 1992, Sagoo went on to produce the outstanding and cutting edge album 'Magic Touch' with the legendry Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This partnership, not only, gave Sagoo an undisputed appreciation from all generations but was the first time he had worked with original voice and became a huge landmark in the Asian market. Indeed, Bally Sagoo has been heralded as doing to the Asian music scene what African Bambatta did to the hip hop scene.

Proclaimed a true pioneer of the Asian music scene Sagoo paved the way for many producers and projected Asian funky music into the mainstream, which was highlighted when he was signed to Sony Music in 1994. His legendary masterpiece 'Bollywood Flashback' truly justified him as a major player in the mainstream market as he injected life into old Bollywood songs and mixed it with fresh, innovative vocals. Against all odds he persuaded people to sing these seemingly dated Bollywood tunes and he spent a year crafting and reworking this tour de force. His perfectionism paid off when a track from the album 'Chura Liya' pioneered as the first full Asian song to be play listed on Radio One causing some listeners to think they had tuned into a pirate station! Anarchy broke out on the Asian scene as it was being hailed as the most interesting and refreshing sound that had ever been produced and it broke through the cultural barriers.

In 1995 as the tenth biggest selling act in Sony, Sagoo had realised his dream and knew he was getting the high-profile recognition he deserved. He was producing a string of albums, playing to huge audiences throughout the world and enjoying his jet set lifestyle. Sagoo then went on to produce his most original, artistic and serious album 'Rising from the East' which cemented his talents as an artist and blossoming producer and stormed into the UK top 40 charts making a huge impact on popular culture throughout all races. Consequently this led to a request from Michael Jackson to be the opening act on his India tour, an appearance on the UK National Lottery, and a host of lifestyle and prime time television programmes. Not only was he enjoying his success as a serious artist but he received a commendation from the President of India praising him for his personal contribution and global elevation of Asian culture.

Realising his full potential and status as the 'Godfather' of funky Asian music setting up his own label seemed the natural thing to do. In 1998 Sagoo set up Ishq Records, meaning love, which conveyed a very peaceful message and was indicative of his respect for his culture. Now producing his own albums and signing new acts and rubbing shoulders with Bollywood's finest, Sagoo has etched his signature style over many original Bollywood soundtracks too. This was epitomised when he was approached by Bollywood's finest, Amitabh Bachchan to produce an album for him; again, true to form Sagoo insisted that he would only produce the album if the international star record his vocals in his modest studio in Birmingham. Constantly in demand he receives requests from a plethora of Hollywood and Bollywood directors alike; he most recently produced music for international hits like Bend it Like Beckham and Monsoon Wedding, and Bollywood films - Kartoos, Hera Pheri, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

An omnipresent figure Sagoo's winning formula looks set to become a franchise with a host of exciting projects in the pipeline. Soon to burst onto our screens with the long anticipated 'Bollywood Star' which sees wannabee movie stars trying to compete for a coveted role in a Bollywood production. From the outset it was clear that Sagoo had to be a judge on this programme to give it the professionalism and credibility that other reality talent shows lack.

His dedication to his heritage has contributed to his decision to open a school for budding DJs offering them outstanding opportunities that he struggled to get, following his success promotion of artists like Rishi Rish. A true inspiration and spokesperson for Asian culture he continues to stay grounded despite his worldwide success. Now an international, household name Sagoo has broken the race barriers and opened the doors for other talented Asian artists with his unique style which has not been repeated until recently by Punjabi MC, and he has numerous gold and triple platinum albums to prove it. Frequently asked when his next album is being release he is one artist whose work cannot be rushed, as he concedes 'music is a fashion and (I) set trends with my music'.

The future looks bright for Sagoo with a possible biopic, a slick nightclub and a clothing label people cannot get enough of the Bally Sagoo name. Who knows what the next few years will hold but you can be sure whatever he puts his name to, it will certainly have the 'Magic Touch.'

Click here to check out all the Bally Sagoo CDs we have in stock.