Search - Shabaz :: Shabaz (Dig)

Ali Khan reborn

LGwriter | Astoria, N.Y. United States | 11/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This group recorded previously with the name Ali Khan, putting out two CDs for the small City of Tribes label, both of which are excellent. Here they continue their odyssey, this time infusing their native Indian and Pakistani songs with a more substantial dose of studio and dancefloor rhythms than on the prior two relases.Most of the material is written by the group, but there is one traditional Pakistani song which is given a modern treatment. The group makeup is Pakistani and American. On this album, they are joined by musicians outside the band who include (among others) Narada Michael Walden (keyboards), the well-known Indian violinist Ramesh Mishra, and even the Latin percussionist Candido on two tracks.As was true on the last two albums, Richard Michos and John Steiner supply the keyboard work, and the vocals are performed by the supple voices of Sukhawat Ali Khan and Riffat Salamat.An excellent worldbeat album--vibrant, infectious, soothing, and seductive."

Fulbright Scholar to Pakistan

LGwriter | 07/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This group is just amazing. I have lived in Pakistan and attended live concerns of traditional Pakistani/Indian music and what they do is mix a hybridity of the now and the traditional in music. The brother and sister team come from a line of court singers so you really got a strong traditional background and the American brings the knowledge of a westerner with love for South Asian music.Without going into alot of technical jargon this music touches the soul and the beat makes you come alive and want to dance. The vocals are strong and clear and the added techno beat enhances the traditional without becoming too kitchy. Talk about creativity!!!!! Get up and get this cd. I can't wait for their next one!"

Innovation

Themistocles G. Michos | San Francisco, CA USA | 11/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fascinating blend of the old raga tradition with the hippest of the hip. The combination is fascinating and delectable."