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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was and is still very much considered to be the greatest Qawwal (singer of Qawwali music) in the world; not only recognized as a legend in his native Pakistan he also took his musical messages of peace, love and spirituality to the international stage, earning him the title of Pakistan's premier ambassador of Qawwali music. The origins of Qawwali music trace back over seven hundred years to the spiritual Samah songs of Persia and the mystical faith of Sufism.
So, what happens when you unite one of world's most revered voices with a long-time veteran of global music production? Dub Qawwali, by London-based producer/artist Gaudi reveals the answer. The album blends organic and digital dub stylings with original vocals from Pakistan's beloved Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The result is a moving body of work that respectfully brings Khan's Qawwali songs together with Jamaican dub via superb 21st century studio techniques. Dub Qawwali is a celebration of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's life and is being released on Six Degrees Records in August 2007, marking the 10-year anniversary of his death.
It was Gaudi's strong sense of the direct connection between roots reggae music's humanitarian messages of compassion and love and Khan's devotional songs, that was a major inspiration in the creative direction of Dub Qawwali. Gaudi is as much a scholar of Khan's work as he is of dub, and lists among his favorite dub artists King Tubby, Scientist, Mad Professor, and Lee "Scratch" Perry. After doing studio work with the "eccentric studio genius" Perry in 2005, Gaudi had confirmation of one of his own strongest beliefs in music production which is to respect your own personal integrity by "being yourself and always following your own sound." So, what happens when you unite one of world's most revered voices with a long-time veteran of global music production? by London-based producer/artist Gaudi reveals the answer. The album blends organic and digital dub stylings with original vocals from Pakistan's beloved Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The result is a moving body of work that respectfully brings Khan's Qawwali songs together with Jamaican dub via superb 21st century studio techniques. is a celebration of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's life and is being released on Six Degrees Records in August 2007, marking the 10-year anniversary of his death.It was Gaudi's strong sense of the direct connection between roots reggae music's humanitarian messages of compassion and love and Khan's devotional songs, that was a major inspiration in the creative direction of . Gaudi is as much a scholar of Khan's work as he is of dub, and lists among his favorite dub artists King Tubby, Scientist, Mad Professor, and Lee "Scratch" Perry. After doing studio work with the "eccentric studio genius" Perry in 2005, Gaudi had confirmation of one of his own strongest beliefs in music production which is to respect your own personal integrity by "being yourself and always following your own sound."
The album opens with the soft tones of "Bethe Bethe Kese Kese"; a nostalgic and warm track where melodious Flute and Strings echo contemplative vocals. A firm stepper rhythm anchors and drives the track while Sarangi adds dimension to this wistful introduction. This is also the first track that Gaudi produced in the series and very much provided the drive and direction that is evident throughout the rest of the album. "Tera Jana Kere Rang Lawe" is a dub influenced roots reggae track combining passionate and melancholic Strings with a roots dub bassline. Its uncluttered feel and rolling Bass spiced with off-beat Tabla gives space and groove. The vocals in "Dil Da Rog Muka Ja Mahi" inspired the inclusion of a theme from the Kraftwerk track "The Model" used by permission from the legendary German electro-pioneers in this remarkable excursion of a track; analogue Synthesizers give authenticity to its 1977 origins, while Hammond organ, a deep bassline and fills of dubbed up percussive echo keep the reggae flavors rolling. "Ena Akhiyan Noo" is positive and evocative; an upbeat reggae theme supporting emotive and expansive vocal passages is spiced up with rub-a-dub flavours and breaks of hypnotic chant. You don't have to understand Urdu, Punjabi or Persian to feel the sentiment evoked on Dub Qawwali, it is a work of truly international appeal.
Gaudi's attention to detail paid off. Dub Qawwali revives Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's vocals in a truly distinctive fashion – a vital accomplishment given Khan's stature. The legendary Pakistani artist has inspired the likes of Peter Gabriel, Michael Brook and Eddie Vedder and is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the world's largest recorded output by a Qawwali artist — a total of 125 albums. Gaudi, aware of the gravity of re-working such a prolific and globally respected artist was moved to comment: "After 26 years of music activity I have to say that this is one of the most important productions I have ever done." Track Listing
1. Bethe Bethe Kese Kese 5.47
2. Tera Jana Kere Rang Lawe 5.02
3. Jab Teri Dhun Main Raha Karte They 5.25
4. Dil Da Rog Muka Ja Mahi 5.43
5. Ghamgar Bare Ne 4.15
6. Abhi Apna Abhi Paraya Hai 5.03
7. Ena Akhiyan Noo 5.27
8. Kahin Mot Se Bhi Na Jao 5.44
9. Mainoo Ole Bai Ke Pee Lain De 5.15
10. Othe Mera Yar Wasda 4.11
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