Shahbaaz

by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Overview

Two years after the groundbreaking Shahen Shah, Nusrat returned to Peter Gabriel's Real World studio to record this set of four powerhouse pieces. Canadian guitarist and producer Michael Brook had collaborated with Nusrat on the 1990 crossover project Mustt Mustt, which created a sensation in Nusrat's native Pakistan. Brooke returns here to preside over a straight traditional recording of Nusrat's party. The notes make the point that Nusrat's immense popularity stemmed from his ability to merge separate traditions -- secular and classical, Muslim and Hindu. This set of pieces all come out of Sufi philosophic and religious tradition. But from start to finish, this session has rock & roll intensity about it. The tempos are feverishly fast, and the vocal arrangements quickly rise to vivid emotional crescendos. The improvisational passages are extended and adventurous. The lead track, "Beh Haadh Ramza Dhasdha," tells the story of a controversial Persian martyr of the tenth century, crucified for proclaiming, "I am the truth." This and the lengthy final piece revolve around a catchy refrain that anchors long, wandering forms. In contrast, the other two pieces unfold through successive permutations, ever striving into new spiritual territory. Nusrat can draw upon six centuries of musical tradition just within his own family. But here, on the qawwali star's most electrifying international release, it's clear even to the naive listener that he's stretching the boundaries of that tradition, embracing his own present even as he honors his ancestors' past. ~ Banning Eyre

Product Details

Release Date:	04/29/2022
Label:	REAL WORLD
UPC:	0884108010549

Tracks

1. Beh Haadh Ramza Dhasdha [He Manifests Himself in Many Forms]
2. Shahb¿¿z Qalandar
3. Dhyahar-Eh-Ishq Meh [The Realm of Love]
4. Jewleh Lal

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan   Primary Artist,Vocals,Harmonium
Party   Primary Artist
Massive Attack   Guest Artist
Dildar Hussain   Tabla
Khalid Mahmond   Vocals (Background)
Asad Ali Khan   Vocals (Background)
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan   Vocals (Background)
Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan   Vocals,Harmonium

Technical Credits

Sue Belk   Photography
Malcolm Garrett   Design,Artwork
Traditional   Composer
Michael Brook   Producer
Richard Blair   Assistant Engineer
David Bottrill   Engineer
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan   Arranger,Composer