Friday, May 8, 2015

CD Review: Ustad Dildar Hussain Khan and Party's 'Sur Sangeet'

Ustad Dildar Hussain Khan and Party
Sur Sangeet
Kanaga System Krush Records

The essence of Qawwali is eloquently presented on the latest recording from Ustad Dildar Hussain Khan and Party. The Pakistani-based musical style is devotional music of Sufism with an entrancing and hypnotic flavor. For the most part, Sur Sangeet is filled with harmonium, tabla, and hand-claps, but vocal utterances signal the real strength of the music. However, "Dhamaal," is a completely instrumental tune. The melodies and rhythms are more varied on Sur Sangeet than traditional Qawwali music. Still, a historic thread binds the past with the present throughout the songs. There are eight long tracks with diverse vocalizations, steady percussion, and Punjabi elements. Specialists in South Asian music will want to try some Qawwali. This is a good place to start. It's soul-quenching. ~ Matthew Forss

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