Spring Break
The international music scene offers interesting, eclectic artists
Daniel Younessi
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Focus
Highlights: "Cantigueiras", "Os Gaiteiros da Noite"
Skip: "Amanecer," "Para Vigo Me Voy"
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
It seems like every single list of "best world music" contains something from India or Pakistan. Could it be the hippie fascination with these countries or because you hear it at Indian restaurants? No, it's because these countries' ancient musical traditions are so immensely difficult that virtuosity is a prereq. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan may have the greatest voice ever put on record. With a six-octave vocal range and a talent for jazzy vocal improvisation, he takes the four 10-plus minute songs on "Shabazz" and performs every minute of every one in a way that keeps you captivated for the entire duration of the song. It's no small wonder that vocal god and misunderstood genius Jeff Buckley referred to Nusrat as "his Elvis."
Highlights: The whole album
Skip: Nothing
The Kamkars
Right from the get-go it could be said that this next band, The Kamkars, might be the hardest to sell. Middle Eastern music's ancient modal melodies and heavy rhythms can sound harsh to American listeners. But if you're this far into the article, you must want a challenge. Kurdistan gets a lot of visitors these days, and the past was no different. The stringed barbats and setars on 'Nightingale with a Broken Wing' bring to mind flamenco music, while the strong, often complex rhythms evoke hard Celtic jigs and even epic metal. Singers howl like all Middle Eastern vocalists should. Sure, it'll lose you most of your friends on a Saturday night, but the few who stick around and enjoy it end up lifelong friends.
Highlights:
"Xoshe Hewraman"
Skip: "Bulbuli Bal Shkaw"
Skip: "Amanecer," "Para Vigo Me Voy"
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
It seems like every single list of "best world music" contains something from India or Pakistan. Could it be the hippie fascination with these countries or because you hear it at Indian restaurants? No, it's because these countries' ancient musical traditions are so immensely difficult that virtuosity is a prereq. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan may have the greatest voice ever put on record. With a six-octave vocal range and a talent for jazzy vocal improvisation, he takes the four 10-plus minute songs on "Shabazz" and performs every minute of every one in a way that keeps you captivated for the entire duration of the song. It's no small wonder that vocal god and misunderstood genius Jeff Buckley referred to Nusrat as "his Elvis."
Highlights: The whole album
Skip: Nothing
The Kamkars
Right from the get-go it could be said that this next band, The Kamkars, might be the hardest to sell. Middle Eastern music's ancient modal melodies and heavy rhythms can sound harsh to American listeners. But if you're this far into the article, you must want a challenge. Kurdistan gets a lot of visitors these days, and the past was no different. The stringed barbats and setars on 'Nightingale with a Broken Wing' bring to mind flamenco music, while the strong, often complex rhythms evoke hard Celtic jigs and even epic metal. Singers howl like all Middle Eastern vocalists should. Sure, it'll lose you most of your friends on a Saturday night, but the few who stick around and enjoy it end up lifelong friends.
Highlights:
"Xoshe Hewraman"
Skip: "Bulbuli Bal Shkaw"
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