CD Review: Kiran Ahluwalia's 'Sanata: Stillness'

Kiran Ahluwalia
Sanata: Stillness
Magenta

Indo-Canadian, Kiran Ahluwalia, ventures into uncharted territory with the swirling, bluesy, guitar riffs characteristic of North Africa's Saharan Desert region. However, South Asian delicacies are still apparent throughout the album, but the instrumental guitar, harmonium, and drums arouse a North African spirit laced with curry-scented morsels called songs. The breezy and bluesy style of "Hayat" resembles a North African anthem spearheaded with vocals of a South Asian origin, but "Sanata" contains similar influences . "Jaane Na" is more aligned with Indian jazz and pop with drifting melodies and floating vocals. "Lament" is a South Asian jazz tune with elements of rock, fusion, experimentation, and contemporary leanings in a mostly instrumental display. All of the music is created from acoustic/electric guitars, bass, tabla, organ, harmonium, drums, and vibraphone. Overall, Kiran challenges music origins and presents them in a very endearing package. Liner notes are in English, Hindi/Punjabi, and French.

CD Review: Kiran Ahluwalia's 'Aam Zameen'

Kiran Ahluwalia
Aam Zameen (Common Ground)
Avokado Artists Recordings

Kiran's fifth recording, Aam Zameen, features wonderful melodies from South Asia and a rather unlikely place--Africa. In fact, Malian guitar greats, Tinariwen and Terakaft, lend their talents on Kiran's latest recording. The stirring music is very engaging and inviting for even the most picky of listeners. Kiran's voice is a perfect addition to the musical repertoire throughout. Kiran sings in Urdu, but Tamasheq and Punjabi lyrics are also included. The liner notes contain French, English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Tamasheq lyrics. The late-Sufi master, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is honored with a cover track, "Mustt Mustt," which possesses an excellent mastery of rhythm, tone, and vocals--which are international in flavor, due to the cross-cultural repertoire. Kiran's latest effort exemplifies two distinct musical cultures and places them in a very creative context that clearly works. The appropriately-titled Common Ground represents the culmination of different musical cultures coming together for a good cause. Kiran releases yet another musical milestone. Recommended tracks: "Saffar," "Rabba Ru," "Zindagi," and "Mustt Mustt." ~ Matthew Forss