NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - The Final Studio Recordings (2001) 2CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pakistan's qawwali maestro, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, passed away from complications due to chronic diabetes in August of 1997. Earlier that year, Ali Khan signed a contract with Rick Rubin's American Recordings and entered the studio, completing in July what would be his final album. This double CD represents the complete "finished" recordings of Ali Khan. There may be outtakes, there may be alternate takes, and so on, but given the unbelievably shoddy nature of the package -- inexcusable given an artist of this stature -- totally devoid of liner notes with the exception of credits (no session details, like dates, circumstances, etc.), it is likely we'll never know. Perhaps the best thing we can say about Rick Rubin's production on this set is that there isn't any, apart from engineer and recordist David Schiffman. The engineering is wonderful, every nuance of Nusrat and his company are picked up with stunning clarity and depth -- including physical placement of bodies, voices, and instruments. From the session photographs, everything was set according to performance standards with rugs ordered all through the room and everyone seated there as well. Judging only from the photos of Ali Khan, he wasn't well, but photographs can be deceiving. Musically, however, this is easily the finest studio recording Ali Khan ever issued. His range is wider than ever, and his command of musical ideas, tempo, and vocal improvisation is tremendous. The "party" as his backing musicians were called, was in fine, relaxed form -- not always the case on his studio sessions -- with nephews Rahat and Farroukh as his side singers and Rahat Ali on harmonium and Dildair Hussein on tabla, with a chorus (or choir) backing the three principal singers. The songs themselves are from antiquity, from Rumi to poets and composers from the qawwali lineage who have long since passed into the ether of history. No matter. Ali Khan uses the frameworks of these poems and songs to carry them into a long, unbroken chain of passionate prayer, ecstatic contemplation, and whirling intensity as is common among the Sufi sect of Islam dating from the time of the Sahra singers some 700 years ago. Eight selections over two discs covering over two hours may seem like a short program (especially given the availability of a five-hour Paris concert), but it is one of intensity -- raw, direct, and full of sacred energy. Only the responsorial singing of the choir and the droning repetition of the harmonium hold the cascading tones of Ali Khan's improvisations to the earth. Hussein's tabla, both of the side singers and Nusrat, head for the space beyond space in a moving, soul-stirring performance that, in spite of the exotic nature of its foreignness to most American ears, is on a level with the very finest in the gospel tradition for its purity, rousing choruses, and heart-rending emotion. The qawwali singing that Nusrat brought to the world, with its percussive vocal stylings, soaring heights, and cavernous passions for union with the Divine are well served by his final sessions, and they make an excellent introduction sonically -- remember the package basically sucks in terms of information -- to Nusrat's immeasurable transcultural contribution to the musical arts. They are virtually indispensable to fans of the late master's work. Stunning.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist 1 :
1    Too Kareemi Man Kamina Br Daram (You Are The Gracious, I Am The Ignoble)    15:27
2    Manam Mah Way Khiyal-I-Oo (I Am Absorbed In My Thoughts Of You)    15:21
3    Teray Warian Main Saeeyan I Am Going To Be A Sacrifice For You)    15:05
4    Bhanwain Toon Jan Na Jan (It Is Up To You Whether You Recognize Me Or Not)    18:03
Tracklist 2 :
1    Khaja Mueen-Ud-Din (Master Mueen-Ud-Din)    17:33
2    Daikhnay Ko Ya Mohammed (The Is No Other Like Mohammed)    16:58
3    Rakh Baba (Baba, Protect Us)    15:46
4    Pooja Karoonga Teri Yar (I Will Worship You My Friend)    14:18
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Asad Ali, Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Farid Sabri (pistas: Ghulam Farid), Khalid Mahmood, Nafees Ahmad (pistas: Nafees Ahmed), Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Harmonium – Rahmat Ali
Tabla – Dildar Hussain
Vocals – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Reverence (Traditonal Sufi Qawwalis) (2009) 4CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1    An Overture To Raga Bahar - Hazarat Khwaja Sangh Kheliye Dhamar
2    Hamd In Raga Mishra Khamaj - Allah Hoo Allah Hoo Allah Hoo
3    Naat I Sharif - Farsuda Japara Zeh Hizra, Yaar Rasool Alah
Tracklist 2 :
1    Manqabat In Raga Bhairavi - Maula Ali Maula Ali
2    Ghazal In Raga Kedar - Kahbren Rasid Im Shabd Ke Nigar Khahi Amad
3    Song In Raga Bilawal - Main Jagi Piya Ke Sangh
4    Qaul / Qalbana In Raga Bhopali / Yaman Kalyan
Tracklist 3 :
1    Classical Qawwali in Raga Gawoti - Araj Soonli Jho, Khwaja Mori Araj Soonli Jo
2    Qawwali In Farsi In Raga Khamaj - Nami Danam Chi Manzil Bud Shah Jai Ki Man Budam
Music By [Qawwali By] – Hazrat Amir Khusrau
3    Traditional Qawwali In Raga Mishra Kafi - Kirpa Karo Maharaj, Mohinuddin Khwaja
Music By [Qawwali By] – Hazrat Amir Khusrau
4    Modern Qawwali In Raga Bilawal - Shikwa Jawab Shikhwa
Music By [Qawwali By] – Allama Iqbal
Tracklist 4 :
1    Traditional Qawwali In Ragas Marwa & Bhatiyar - Allah Mohammed, Char Yaar, Haji Khwaja Qutb Farid
2    Traditional Qawwali (Punjabi) In Ragas Tilang & Khamaj - Teri Main Ishq Ne Nachaya, Wai Kadi Thaya Thaya Wai
Music By [Qawwali By] – Baba Buleh Shah
3    Traditional Qawwali In Hindi In Raga Khamaj - Rang - Aj Rang Hai Hai Maa Rang Hai Morey Mehboob Ke Ghar Rang Hai
Music By [Qawwali By] – Hazrat Amir Khusrau
Credits :
Soloist – Mujahid Mubarak Ali Khan
Soloist, Harmonium – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Rahmat Ali
Tabla – Dildar Khan
Vocals [Chorus] – Asad Ali Khan, Ghulam Fareed, Ilyas Hussain, Khalid Mehmood, Rahat Ali
Vocals, Leader – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN – Qawwali : The Vocal Art Of The Sufis I & II (1990) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The gentle mountain of a man Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, by all counts the greatest qawwal of his generation, put out this album of a more or less traditional qawwali performance. The album begins with a song in praise of Allah. Following is a praise of Mohammed, then a praise of Mohammed's son-in-law Ali (founder of the Shia branch of Islam). Finally is a song in praise of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, an Indian saint. The virtuosity on the album is quite amazing. With only the accompaniment of a harmonium, a drum, and backing handclaps, Nusrat was able to put forth the full range and power of the human voice. In "Allah-Hu," a rather quick-tempo piece, he performed some of the techniques that also separate masters from students in the ancient dhrupad of India, as well as the high-speed drum instructions/imitations native to such music. Beyond the first song, the praises of humans also invoke instrumental sections (again relatively virtuosic) and more of the forceful singing of Nusrat. For those who are interested in the later sounds of Nusrat, once they had been somewhat more pre-packaged, this is a more traditional form of performance and should be enjoyed thoroughly by all. Adam Greenberg
Tracklist 1 :
1    Nami-Danam    16:18
2    Allah Muhammad Chad Yar    14:14
3    Data Sahab De Daware    12:56
4    Yadan Vichhri Sajan Diyan    16:24
Tracklist 2 :
1    Allah-Hu    15:44
2    Yad-E Nabi Ka Gulshan    18:35
3    Haqq Ali Ali    13:44
4    Ho Karam Ki Nazar    12:31

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN QAWWAL & PARTY - Shahen-Shah (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This 1988 recording helped to launch Peter Gabriel's Real World label. It also introduced Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to the non-Pakistani world, presenting him as a kind of world music rock star. Nusrat and his nine-man "party" perform their trademark qawwali here without alterations for the Western market. They sing in Urdu, using religious and romantic texts drawn from the poetry of Sufiism, the mystical sect of Islam. And yet, all the elements that would make Nusrat a world pop sensation are here, above all his enormous voice, husky and trenchant, powerful as a hurricane, severe and foreboding on the darkest tracks, but always bursting with the ecstatic joy of revelation, as on the classic, "Shamas-Ud-Doha, Badar-Ud-Doha." The relentless hand clapping and tabla drum accompaniment convey an aggressive tranciness that combines the contemplative serenity of Indian classical music with the headbanging frenzy of punk rock. Droning harmonium melodies introduce each of these six, ten-minute-plus tracks, and then wind through the escalating vocal fireworks. Singers repeat lines with building intensity, each repetition squeezing more emotional juice from the words. Nusrat's scat-like improvisations are always a high point, often leading to swelling unison chant melodies sung by the entire party. This release effectively rallied a host of samplers, re-mixers, and film scorers who would keep Nusrat busy for the remaining decade of his life. But in retrospect, nothing they created surpasses this, Nusrat's first session at Real World. "Shahen Shah" means the "brightest star," and though qawwali music now has other international stars, Nusrat still merits his title. by Banning Eyre  
Tracklist :
1     Shamus-Ud-Doha Bader-Ud-Doja 11'02
Traditional
2     Allah, Mohammed, Char, Yaar 11'29
Traditional
3     Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande Nah Dalo 11'45
Traditional
4     Meri Ankhon Ko Bakhshe Hain Aansoo 10'52
Traditional
5     Nit Khair Mansan Sohnia Main Teri 11'49
Traditional
6     Kehna Ghalat Ghalat to Chhupana Sahi Sahi 13'58
Traditional
Credits :    
Chorus Master, Vocals [Chorus] – Iqbal Naqbi
Directed By – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan
Lead Vocals, Arranged By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Tabla [Tabala] – Dildar Hussain
Vocals [Chorus] – Atta Fareed, Ghulam Fareed, Mohammad Maskeen
Vocals [Pupil Singer] – Kaukab Ali
Vocals [Senior Singer] – Mujahid Mubarik Ali Khan
Vocals, Harmonium – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Mustt Mustt (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

When the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomehni banned all music in Iran and declared it to be sacrilegious, his views by no means reflected the outlook of all Muslims. In fact, Islam's Sufi sect believes music to be a sacred and necessary element of spiritual life. Like Hindus, the Sufis passionately encourage meditation, dancing and chanting. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is a master of traditional Qawwali, the music of the Sufis. Soulful and hypnotic, Khan's passionate singing on these songs of praise underscores the richness and vitality of Sufi culture. While Qawwali music goes back centuries, the use of synthesizers adds a modern edge to the highly absorbing Mustt Mustt. by Alex Henderson
Tracklist  :
1 Mustt Mustt (Lost In His Works) 5:15
Bass – Darryl Johnson
Djembe – David Bottrill
2 Nothing Without You (Tery Bina) 5:04
Bass – Michael Brook
Percussion [Hairy Drum] – James Pinker
3 Tracery 4:48
Flute – Guo Yue
Gong [Bass] – James Pinker
Synthesizer – Darryl Johnson  
4 The Game 4:59
Bongos – James Pinker
Djembe – Michael Brook
Drum Programming – Peter Gabriel
Piano – Darryl Johnson  
5 Taa Deem 4:47
Djembe – Darryl Johnson 
Surdo – Michael Brook
6 Sea Of Vapours 3:55
Bass [Buzz] – Darryl Johnson  
Synthesizer – David Bottrill, Michael Brook
7 Fault Lines 4:13
Percussion – James Pinker
8 Tana Dery Na 4:23
Surdo – David Bottrill
Synthesizer, Percussion – Michael Brook
9 Shadow 3:04
Edited By [Digitally] – David Bottrill
10 Avenue 4:51
Percussion [Clay Drum] – Darryl Johnson 
11 Mustt Mustt (Massive Attack Remix) 4:24
Remix, Mixed By – Massive Attack
Credits
Bass [Moog Pedals] – Darryl Johnson (tracks: 4, 5, 7)
 Djembe – James Pinker (tracks: 1, 5, 10)
Guitar – Michael Brook (tracks: 1 to 3, 8), Robert Ahwai (tracks: 1 to 4, 10)
Guitar [Infinite] – Michael Brook (tracks: 4 to 6, 10)
Harmonium – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan
Music By – Darryl Johnson (tracks: 4), James Pinker (tracks: 4), Michael Brook (tracks: 3, 4, 7 to 8, 10), Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7, 8, 9), Robert Ahwai (tracks: 4)
Tabla – Dildar Hussain (tracks: 2, 7, 10)
Vocals – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN QWWAL & PARTY - Shahbaaz (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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 naïve listener that he's stretching the boundaries of that tradition, embracing his own present even as he honors his ancestors' past. by Banning Eyre  
Tracklist :
1 Beh Haadh Ramza Dhasdha (He Manifests Himself in Many Forms) 11:32
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan / Traditional
2 Shahbâz Qalandar 12:14
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan / Traditional
3 Dhyahar-Eh-Ishq Meh (The Realm of Love) 08:28
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan / Traditional
4 Jewleh Lal 19:15
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan / Traditional
Credits
Arranged By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party
Chorus – Asad Ali, Ghulam Farid, Khalid Mahmood, Rahat Ali, Rehmat Ali
Chorus [Senior Chorus] – Mujahid 'Ali
Producer – Michael Brook
Tabla – Dildar Hussain
Vocals, Harmonium – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN & PARTY - Devotional And Love Songs (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan opens this album as he often opened his live shows, by calling upon God in the form of Allah to come and bless the gathering with His presence. For that is the sole purpose of the qawwal: to reach God through music, through his voice. And this collection of Devotional and Love Songs is set forth with that in mind. Unlike some of Khan's more Western-influenced releases, such as Mustt Mustt and Night Song, the songs are presented here with minimal instrumentation (mostly harmonium and tabla) in the traditional call and response form, with Khan singing a line that is echoed by the party of musicians that shares the stage with him. Surprisingly accessible and captivating, you need not be a Muslim or a seeker of any kind to recognize the power of this music. Just try to not sway and clap in rhythm. Bet you can't. With the repetition of certain phrases and syllables, qawwali music is designed to bring both the musicians and audience to a heightened plane of reality, an almost trance-like state of existence. For when Khan's voice soars up to the heavens and then swoops back down to bring you along for the ride, you are swept away without a second thought. That is why, prior to his death in 1997, Khan was considered the brightest star in qawwali, the master of this art form.  by Kelly McCartney
Tracklist :
1. Allah Hoo ALlah Hoo 7:57
Written-By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2. Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka 7:36
Written-By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3. Haq Ali Ali Haq 7:23
Written-By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
4. Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam 7:44
Written-By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Lyrics By – Baba Bulla Shah
Lead Vocals - Maqsood Hussain
5. Mast Nazroon Se Allah Bachhae 6:21
Written-By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
6. Ni Main Jogi De Naal 8:10
Written-By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Lyrics By – Baba Bullah Shah
Credits :    
Arranged By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Chorus – Asad Ali, Ghulam Fareed, Mohammed Iqbal Naqbi, Kaukab Ali
Guitar – Majawar Abbas
Harmonium – Farakh Fateh Ali Khan
Harmonium [2nd] – Rahmat Ali
Lead Vocals – Farakh Fateh Ali Khan
Mandolin – Majawar Abbas
Other [Senior Member] – Majahid Mubarak Ali Khan
Tabla – Dildar Hussain
Vocals – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Vocals [Pupil Singer] – Rahat Ali

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN & PARTY - Love Songs (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The companion CD to Nusrat's set of Devotional Songs -- both recorded in 1988 -- features the ghazal, a kind of love song. The name ghazal derives from the Arabic for "to converse with women." Originally, ghazals were sung in the language of Persia, Urdu, but the form has become a staple throughout much of Asia and the Middle East and is now sung in many languages. Love songs in this part of the world can often be seen as thinly disguised religious songs, but some of the lyrics here are unabashedly secular: "She is boldly unveiling in front of everyone and I am cowardly concealing." Musically, too, the feeling here is lighter. The melodies are lyrical, the improvisation relatively restrained. As in the devotional song session, the musical backing expands beyond the standard harmonium and tablas to include plucked strings, acoustic guitar, and mandolin. These provide occasional melodies, but more often fall back into the meld of tones and textures that support what is first and foremost vocal music. Despite the short song lengths -- all under eight minutes -- and the romantic moods, this set does still pack the trademark Nusrat punch. "Bibi Sada Dil Morr De," a contemporary composition, is dark and moody. "Sanson Ki Mala Pey," a Pujabi song, begins gently like a waltz, but Nusrat quickly moves to spitfire scat singing ratcheting up the spiritual energy before easing into languid, flowing melodies. In love as in religion, Nusrat proves a heavyweight. by Banning Eyre  

Tracklist :
1    Woh Hata Rahe Hain Pardah    7:57
 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2    Yeh Jo Halka Saroor Hae    7:15
 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3    Biba Sada Dil Morr De    7:11
 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
4    Yaadan Vichhre Sajan Dian Aiyan    7:22
 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
5    Sanson Ki Mala Pey    7:13
 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
6    Un Ke Dar Pen Pohchne To Payen    8:00
 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Credits :   
Chorus – Asad Ali, Ghulam Fareed, Mohammed Iqbal Naqbi, Kaukab Ali
Harmonium [2nd Harmonium Player] – Rahmat Ali
Lead Vocals – Maqsood Hussain
Lead Vocals, Harmonium, Directed By [Musical Director] – Farakh Fateh Ali Khan
Lead Vocals, Written-By, Arranged By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Mandolin, Guitar – Majawar Abbas
Tabla – Dildar Hussain
Vocals – Majahid Mubarik Ali Khan
Vocals [Pupil] – Rahat Ali

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN AND PARTY - The Last Prophet (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time Nusrat returned to Real World Studios to record this set of four long pieces, he was an international phenomenon. The music he and his "party" perform, qawwali, goes back to the tenth century origins of Islam's mystical branch, Sufism. The art is the sonic counterpart to the whirling dervishes of Turkey. Just as the mantra-like repetition of the whirling motion deepens the trace of the dervishes and their audience, the repetition of lines in a qawwali piece deepens the expression of the ideas and sentiments within the words. Almost a decade after Nusrat first performed at Womad and alerted the non-Islamic world of his extraordinary voice and music, this session finds him at the height of his powers. Unlike the Love Songs and Devotional Songs Real World released in 1992, these fresh recordings allow Nusrat and his musicians to stretch out, in one case over 20 minutes, letting the group deliver its full-press spiritual punch. The opener, "Maki Madni," celebrates Muhammad, the "last prophet." It also plays like an 18-minute pop song, with a refrain so sweet and memorable that the time just vanishes. The party appears here in classic form, with tablas and harmonium establishing the harmony and rhythm, male singers swelling around Nusrat's central vocal and using hand claps to drive the tempo. At times, Nusrat gets a rough, tearing quality in his voice here, which only heightens the emotion. Meanwhile, the high, sailing voice of his nephew is particularly intense on this recording, making an evocative contrast. This would be Nusrat's last pure qawwali session at Real World Studio. Even without that sad distinction, it's a recording for the ages. by Banning Eyre  
Tracklist :
1    Maki Madni    17:15
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2    Sahib Teri Bandi    12:24
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3    Ganj-E-Shakar    12:39
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
4    Sochan Dongian    12:56
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Credits :    
Chorus – Asad Ali, Ghulum Farid, Khalid Mahmood, Kokab Ali, Rahat Ali, Rehmat Ali
Harmonium – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Producer – Michael Brook
Tabla – Dildar Khan
Vocals – Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Vocals [Prompt] – Ilyas Hussain

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Sanson Ki Mala (1994) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Sanson Ki Mala (My Life Will Become On Fire)    20:39
2    Aag Daman Mein Lag Jai (Necklage Of Breath)    26:15

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Ecstacy (1997) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Ecstacy    14:12
2    By The Candle Light    11:48
3    Magic Touch    9:38
4    Heart Of Gold    8:00
5    Love Comes At Home    6:20
6    Jewel    7:27
7    Prayer To Allah    7:52
8    Star Crossed    6:12

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Mera Pyia Ghar Aaya (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Mera Piya Ghar Aaya    6:16
2    Main Yaar Yaar Kehna    6:06
3    Unlike Unlike Lal    7:48
4    Shabaz Qualandar    5:40
5    Rawain Saanva De Nede Nede    5:10
6    Khanjar Hai Teri Aakhen    7:26
7    Dum Mast Mast    10:25
8    Dum Mast Qualandar    13:16 

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Allah And The Prophet (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    The Merry Cafe    7:57
2    In My Heart    7:46
3    Lost My Heart    6:52
4    Counting The Stars    6:30
5    My Way Is Easier    8:18
6    If I Fall In Love, Then...    6:39
7    The Sweet Sound Of The Spining Wheel    7:02
8    Where Is My Love    8:04

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Opus (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Bhujhi Huai Shama 21'02
2    Khudi Ka Sirry Nihan 18'06
3    Eid Gahay Ma 7'32
4    Tunnum Fur Sooda Jaan 14'58
5    Aye Haquai - Quate Muntazar 8'31

USTAD NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN / USTAD SULTAN KHAN - Pukaar (2002) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Allah-Hoo, Allah-Hoo, Allah-Hoo    30:42
2    Ali Ali Ali Maula Ali Ali    31:45
3    Main To Piya Se Naina Lagaa Aayi Re    10:58
Credits :   
Performer – Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party
Sarangi, Vocals – Ustad Sultan Khan
Tabla – Ustad Abdul Sattar Tari

GAUDI + NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN - Dub Qawwali (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Over the years, the singing of the world famous qawwal Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has become a canvas on which a wide variety of admiring musicians and producers have painted their own musical images -- guitarist Michael Brook recorded an album with him, and Khan's work has been remixed by everyone from Black Star Liner to Asian Dub Foundation. The latest celebrant in the Church of Nusrat is the brilliant electro-dub artist Gaudi, whose aptly titled Dub Qawwali takes rare and previously undiscovered vocal recordings of Khan from the '60s and '70s and embeds them in completely new instrumental settings, all of them based on varying styles of reggae, and all of them mixed in a rich, warm dubwise style. The album's high point is its lead track, the softly beautiful "Bethe Bethe Kese Kese." Here Khan is in relatively restrained mode, tenderly crooning a simple melody and avoiding the virtuosic flights of melisma that characterize his more up-tempo work. Gaudi's accompaniment is similarly gentle and caressing. On "Tera Jana Kere Rang Lawe" the melody is drier and the bassline busier; "Dil Da Rog Mka Ja Mahi" benefits from a wet, spacy sound similar to what you might have heard if Lee "Scratch" Perry had moved his Black Ark studio to Mumbai; "Kahin Mot Se Bhi Na Jao" is built on a rockers beat and a sturdily chugging organ part. But on every track, the star of the show is Khan's gorgeous, powerful, and plaintive voice -- this album is ultimately a labor of love and a tribute to the memory of one of the finest singers who ever lived. by Rick Anderson  
Tracklist :
1    The Merry Cafe    7:57
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2    In My Heart    7:46
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3    Lost My Heart    6:52
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
4    Counting The Stars    6:30
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
5    My Way Is Easier    8:18
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
6    If I Fall In Love, Then...    6:39
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
7    The Sweet Sound Of The Spining Wheel    7:02
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
8    Where Is My Love    8:04
Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Credits :    
Cello – Martin Radford
Drums – Style Scott
Flute [Bamboo] – Satish Khadikar
Guitar – Yair Schleider
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards, Bass, Drums, Tape [Tape Echoes], Recorded By [All Additional Musicians] – Gaudi
Sarangi, Tambura [Tampura] – Sandip Sethi
Tabla – Jagdev Anuraag
Tabla, Percussion – Khadim Haji
Viola – Krisztina Reischl
Violin – Alka Raza
Vocals, Harmonium – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

V.A. - The Rough Guide to Sufi Music (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Most Westerners think of Sufi music in terms of the late great qawwali vocalist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or of the whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order in Turkey. It's not really Westerners' fault that the media have provided few images -- in terms of Sufi culture -- to work with. This volume by Rough Guides offers a solid view of the wealth and diversity inherent in the vast world of Sufi musical art. Along with the more well-known exponents of Sufi music such as Khan, the Sabri Brothers, Hassan Hakmoun, and the dervishes, there is the venerable Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tuni, Abida Parween, Ostad Elahi, Sheikh Ahmad Barrayah, Hamza Shakkur, and numerous others, making this a profound volume of, above all, sacred music from all the different musical traditions in the Indian and Persian worlds. This music is in places popular music, like Hakmoun's, and in most places purely for religious purposes. But no matter what the circumstance, it offers Westerners something that is truly, completely other: a different musical scale, more complex notions of harmony, and divergent paths for the human voice to take as it approaches the sacred. There is deep mystery and truth in this music; it reveals itself gently and amiably and caresses any listener open to encountering it without prejudice. There are other, more complete introductions to the Sufi world out there; however, they are all multiple-CD collections and are vastly overwhelming. This set, on a single, easily digestible disc, tears the veil of haunted mystery back from the Sufi world and offers it with integrity, musicality, accessibility, and elegance. This volume is the introduction to Sufi music. (This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist:
1 – Mevlânâ Kültür Ve Sanat Vakfý Sanatçýlarý - Ferahfeza Peprev 3:11
Written-By – Ismail Dede Efendi
2 – Sabri Brothers - Az Hoosné Malihe Khud (Extract) 7:52
Written-By – Haji Ghulam Farid Sabri*, Nur Ad-Din Abd Ar-Rahman Jami
3 – Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tûni - Alam (Extract) 8:21
Traditional
4 – Sheikh Yasîn Al-Tuhâmi - Qâlbî Yuhaddithuni (Extract) 4:19
Written-By – Sheikh Yasîn Al-Tuhâmi
5 – Hassan Hakmoun & Adam Rudolph - Saba Atu Rijal 6:39
Written-By – Hassan Hakmoun
6 – Abida Parween - Tere Ishq Nachaaya 5:18
Written-By – Bullhe Shah
7 – Ostad Elahi - Shâh Khoshini (Extract) 8:56
Written-By – Ostad Elahi
8 – Boubacar Diagne - Dèmbe 3:41
Traditional
9 – Sheikh Ahmad Barrayn - Al ̊Asfûr 6:08
Written-By – Ahmad Muhammad Barrayn
10 – Hamza Shakkūr, Ghayrî ̊Alâ S-sulwân Qâdir - Samâ ̊I Râst 7:39
Arranged By – Julien Jalâl Al-Din Weiss
Traditional
11 – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Rahway Wasdi Jhok Faridan Di 9:48
Arranged By – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Traditional

 

V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Pakistan (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pakistan's music has generally tended to be overshadowed by that of its neighbor India. (It did share an earlier volume in this series with India, but fully deserves its own.) And while the two countries share of lot of characteristics -- especially Pakistani and North Indian (or Hindustani) music, there's plenty going on in Pakistan besides the qawwali singing of the late, legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (who's represented here on the long closing track). Of particular note here is Abida Parveen, whose Sufi singing is very different from Khan's, with her voice quite jolly and enticing rather than overtly spiritual. There's a highly developed instrumental tradition, as Tsiganes de Sind show on "Popular Melodies," in which the harmonium -- an instrument brought from Europe -- carries much of the melody, and "Traditional Pashtoun Song," which features the rabab lute. It would be impossible to survey the country's music without including the love song known as ghazal, and Farida Khanum, the Queen of Ghazal, gives an exquisite illustration of the poetic form. Vital Signs merged Western pop with Pakistani music and proved very popular while it existed, although, to many Western ears, "Guzray Zamaney Waley" might seem a little cheesy and coy -- like Bollywood without the soaring melody. Adnan Sami Khan (supposedly the world's fastest keyboard player) grew up in England, but his "Lift Kara De" proved to be a huge hit in Pakistan, even if his speedy keyboard work isn't evident in Eastern pop. However, it seems vapid next to the singing of Noor Jehan, the leading lady of both acting and song. "Jis Din Se Piya," a Bollywood song with deeper soul, is caressed by her voice and a delight to hear. This album does Pakistan a service, letting people in on what's been a well-kept secret for far too long. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist:
1. Mera Isqh Bhi Tu 5:05
–Pathane Khan
2. Yaar Di Gharoli 8:04
–Abida Parween
3. Popular Melodies 3:16
–Tsiganes De Sind
4. Aaj Jane Ki Zid Na Karo 7:07
–Farida Khanum
5. Traditional Pashtoun Song 5:13
–Sultan Muhammed Channe & Shah Wali
6. Thumri In Raag Desh 7:19
–Mehdi Hassan    
7. Gurray Zamaney Waley    3:42
–Vital Signs
8. Jhullay Lal 4:52
–Sajjad Ali
9. Dil Na Lagay 4:29
–Faakhir
10. Lift Kara De 4:11
–Adnan Sami Khan
11. Jis Din Se Piya 4:09
–Noor Jehan
12. Aj Rang Hai Hai Maa 10:40
–Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

 

V.A. - The Rough Guide to the Music of Afghanistan (2010) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Afghanistan has barely been out of the news for years, it seems, and during the rule of the Taliban, from 1996-2001, music was banned. Since then it has vigorously returned, and this welcome addition to the Rough Guide series gives a strong indication of the variety of sounds available there, including some that predate many of the troubles. There are several examples of the national instrument, the plucked rubab, and more from the short-necked lute called the dambura. They're all vastly different and quite lovely, giving a sense of true variety. Equally informative are the female singers, like Naghma and Mahwash, a Sufi singer who's highly regarded in the country. Lest anyone believe that Afghanistan is mired in the past, there are several blasts from the present to liven things up, such as Setara Hussainzada, who won the Afghan version of American Idol. There's also another winner in Rafa Naabzada, whose offering is very generic. But the king of all is Farhad Darya, who's given two tracks, one straight rock recorde+d with German music (and sung partly in English), while the other is more rooted, but still definitely modern. Afghanistan still has many problems, but it's a place that's flourishing again musically -- and long may that last. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist 1 :
1 Setara Hussainzada - Zim Zim Zim 1:36
2 Mahwash - Gar Konad Saheb-E-Man 5:21
3 Ghulam Hussain - Ba Ayadat Beya 5:19
4 Ahmad Zahir - Leili-Jan 3:26
5 Naghma - Meena Dakhklo Sanga Kaygi 5:05
6 Farhad Darya - Salaamalek 4:48
7 Safdar Tawakuli - Dobaiti Hazaragi 2:44
8 Mashinai - Logari Tunes 4:07
9 Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz, Gada Mohammad & Azim Hassanpur - Jâm-e Nârenji 3:52
10 Mahwash - Mola Mamad Djan 4:29
11 Homayun Sakhi - Kataghani 3:56
12 Mehri Maftun - Dar Khyal-e Ishq-e Khuban 3:39
13 Farhad Darya - Salaam Afghanistan 4:24
14 Rafi Naabzada & Hameed Sakhizada - Sabza Ba Naaz Mea Ayad 3:15
15 Ahmad Sham Sufi Qawwali Group - Rae Maykhana O Masjid 6:38
Tracklist 2 :
Bonus CD: Ahmad Sham Sufi Qawwali Group
1 Rae Maykhana O Masjid (The Way To The Mosque And The Winehouse) 8:00
2 Zikre Tu Chee Shireen Ast (Your Prayer Is So Sweet!) 6:40
3 Mar DarDo Jahan (I'm In Two Worlds) 5:39
4 Sare Buredae Ma Ra (My Decapitated Head) 7:36
5 Choon Nai Ba Nawa Amad (Since The Reed Began To Sing) 5:03
6 Beshnaw Az Nai Choon Hekayat Mekonad (Listen To This Reed Forlorn) 5:05
7 Ay Sholae Hazeen (Oh Desolate Flame!)    6:18
8 Dunya Kisa Ke Pyar Main (The Earth Is The Place Of My Love) 5:08

JAN GARBAREK / USTAD FATEH ALI KHAN - Ragas and Sagas (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The saxophone is not an instrument usually associated with Pakistani music. And Pakistanis are not especially famous for collaborating with Norwegians. But that is what listeners have on this incredible recording. The music is predominantly Pakistani in sound, tonality, and structure; voice, sarangi, and tabla improvise along with Garbarek's saxophone on every track. For aficionados of Indian or Pakistani music, this is a great recording; Garbarek's lines are right in step with the traditional styles of improvisation. Listeners unacquainted with these traditions will find this recording a mesmerizingly exotic disc. Those familiar with Garbarek's work will be very surprised. This is a completely unique recording for him; one can only hope that he makes further explorations in this vein. by Mark Allender

Tracklist:

1 Raga I 8:45

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan

2 Saga 5:25

Jan Garbarek 

3 Raga II 13:05

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan

4 Raga III 11:53

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan

5 Raga IV 12:56

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan

Credits:

Jan Garbarek - Composer, Flute, Performer, Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)

Shaukat Hussain - Tabla

Manu Katché - Drums

Nazim Ali Khan - Sarangui

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan -  Vocals, Voices

Deepika Thathaal - Vocals, Voices