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

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: Various Artists' 'Somali Party Southall'

Various Artists
Somali Party Southall
Keda

The UK-based Somali Party Southall release features the music of Abdulkarim Raas, Raj Kumar Lagoo, Nimco Degan, Mehboob Meghjee, Kuljit Bhamra, Al-Karim, Mohinder Kaur Bhamra, and Siciid Hussein. The UK-based musicians represent a Somali and Punjabi collective of musical styles ranging from jazz, pop, bhangra, and Bollywood playfulness. The instruments are varied and prevalent throughout the album. For instance, the bongos, tabla, dhol, oud, keyboards, violins, dholak, guitar, sax, clarinet, and flute play a large role in the instrumental arrangements. The vibrant beat and exciting vocals on "Ya Salam Ya Salam" is especially intriguing, because it contains a bit of bhangra, Bollywood, and East African influences. Nimco Degan stars as the lead singer on "Qalbigayga Lulayee." The final dance track is "Dholdrums," which features bhangra greatness on various drums and percussion without vocals. This is perfect for fans of UK bhangra or Punjabi music. Get your party started today with Somali Party Southall. ~ Matthew Forss