Dhola Maru

Description

Rajasthan, in northwestern India, has a unique mix of cultures that has continually enriched not only its own music, but that of much of Asia and Europe over the centuries. Gypsies, Muslims, and Hindus have all contributed to a potent blend of sounds and influences that have grown into a ceremonial music of rare sensuality. Musafir's members reflect this fusion of religions and cultures and by working together have generated a new energy that is all of the above and none. If you know the various sources, you can identify the complex ragas, the ecstatic qawalli voices, the incessant swirl of the Sufi, and the physicality of Gypsy songs, but they are merged into a new sound in the hands of these musicians, singers, and dancers. The nine tracks include mesmerizing love songs, frantic dance tunes, powerful ensemble and imploring solo vocals, accompanied by harmonium, dholak , sarangi , and a host of other instruments that represent the region's diversity. Musafir are uniquely equipped to translate these many cultures into an important cooperative of sound. --Louis Gibson From the windswept desert of northwestern India, at the edge of the Islamic Orient, comes Musafir's Dhola Maru, a whirlwind of masterful rhythms and spiraling polyphonies transporting us into the ethereal landscape of Rajasthan's gods and maharajas, saints and lovers. This world-class gathering of musicians brings alive three sacred music traditions at their highest level - electrifying Muslim qawwali chant, North Indian raga and passionate songs from the dawn of Gypsy culture - drawing us through the trance and irresistibly into the heart of divine ecstasy. Review: the best from the 3 CDs available - This CD is the best of the 3 CDs available from group. We saw a subset of the band perform live in India in a very intimate setting, and this one comes closest to how I experienced them, especially the first track RangiRang (15 minutes!). Less bells and whistles than the other CDs, but more original and very atmospheric. The music of this area is related to the style that Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan played, but mixed with more indian styles. This band has a lot of energy, beautiful voices, good songs and master their instruments. Hearing this CD puts me back to Rajasthan again. Review: Outstanding and unique - This is a very, very enjoyable album that is very listenable. The recording is well done and gives a lot of presence. There is a clarity that provides significant authenticity to it. As for the content itself, it is a remarkably unique fusion. If one enjoys the traditional rythyms of Middle Eastern and Indian music, this is a terrific "must have." I consider it a favorite.