Description
In the last quarter of the 20th century Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan became one of the most popular singers of the devotional music known as qawwali, and by the time of his death in 1997 had recorded hundreds of albums. In the 1980s his music began to be released internationally. He also began collaborating with various European musicians including Peter Gabriel and Michael Brook. Though all of this brought about experiments combining Western music with qawwali, on this greatest hits compilation material is drawn from Ali Khan's earlier career, before he started to attract audiences in Europe and the United States. These compositions are performed with the band of musicians and singers who backed him for years. The accompaniment is sparse, consisting mainly of harmonium, percussion (tablas and clapping), and a vocal chorus; the chorus often echoes Ali Khan in a kind of call and response. However, all this is only the springboard for Ali Khan's commanding vocals, which typically build in cyclical patterns to intense emotional peaks. Highlights include "Dat Ke Ghulamon Ko" and "Haq Ali Ali."
Details
Released: Tue 20 May 1997
Catalogue Number: SHACD64091
Availabilty
Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.