Album DescriptionImport exclusive two-disc set, spanning 1983-1984, for the late world music superstar. EMI. 2004.Amazon.comBy the time he died in 1997, Ustad (a Muslim honorific) Khan was world-famous. But long before Michael Brook and Eddie Vedder came calling, he was already a revered qawwal (Sufi devotional singer) known throughout India and his native Pakistan as Shahen-Shah (The Brightest Of Stars.) From the start of his career, numerous recordings of his live concerts were treasured by the faithful and sorting through such a vast and sonically varied back-catalog must have been a daunting, sensitive task. During the mid-eighties, Ustad Khan¹s style was perhaps a bit less polished than it would later become but his…. Read more

Amazon.comThis compilation draws together musicians who incorporate traditional Indian music into modern styles. The emphasis is heavy on the U.K.-based Asian Underground scene, which is oriented towards electronic dance music, and many of the familiar names are here, often remixing one another–Fun-Da-Mental, Transglobal Underground, Kingsuk Biswas (a.k.a. Bedouin Ascent), Talvin Singh, Banco de Gaia, and DJ Cheb i Sabbah. Most of the music from that camp is excellent and a nice introduction to their style. By contrast, Fila Brazillia and Bob Holroyd wobble the line between ambient and dull. One real eye-opener is State of Bengal’s remix of the track “Delerium” by Toronto-based Ken Ramm’s Euphoria. Euphoria’s approach is…. Read more

Album DescriptionIn terms of emotion, prowess and mesmeric power, there is no equal to the voice of the legendary qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The proof is on this hypnotic collection, ‘Rapture’ which celebrates and remembers his unique talents. Rapture: An Essential…. Read more

Album DetailsTwo CD/8 Track Set Compiling Some of the Most Inspiring World Music Compositions by this Ethnic Innovator.Amazon.com essential recordingA two-CD set of Khan’s most serious and intense performances; the apex of the genius singer’s marriage of Sufi devotional poetry and Pakistani classical music. Trancelike tabla rhythms, aching harmonium lines, and Khan’s indescribable virtuosity grace each extended piece. The excellent, thoughtful liner notes by the late acclaimed rock singer Jeff Buckley say it best: “Part Buddha, part demon, part mad angel, his voice is velvet fire, simply incomparable. Nusrat’s blending of classical improvisations to the art of Qawwali, combined with his out-and-out daredevil style and his sensitivity,…. Read more

Amazon.com essential recordingCanadian experimental guitarist Brook and the late, “shining star of Qawwal” come together for a second time to bring the music of Pakistan into a creative new realm. If you are a traditionalist who wants nothing but Pakistani music, stay away. This album is soaked in ambient electronic guitar noises and some of Khan’s most out-of-the-tradition singing. These experiments are not to be confused with lots of the electro-noodling, however. Both artists were devoted to their gods and their music, and it shows in the potency of these tracks. Brook seems to have been a natural match for Nusrat and has drawn out an unusual performance that probably fulfills the ideas that were only hinted at in their first…. Read more