Sufi Symphony Ali Zafar Dastan-e-Ishq
Ali Zafar came out with a surprise this time around with his Dastan-e-Ishq; with lyrics and composition that capture the heart of the listener. With a touch of folk this track is a sure shot winner with listeners who dig Sufi/folk songs. Every time the track is heard it leaves a different message and feel for the soul. Although Ali’s voice is not as strong as it should be for this particular track, its requirements and its calibre, still he manages to deliver a clear crisp sound vocaling the mix of his dastan-e-ishq with some of Bulle Shah’s selected verses.
It is said that Ali was touched so much by this track at the jamming sessions that tears cascaded down his cheeks. That justifies the sufi slant of the song. But the commercial aspects should not be neglected entirely. Or should they be? Easy said than done. The song after innumerable rehearsals and jamming sessions, however has turned out to be a great listen. It has all the right ingredients that make a track memorable and worth every effort. The outstanding feature which attributes Ali’s frail voice in this song is the flute that supports, rather plays the most poignant mystic part in the entire number.
Other instruments too have done justice but the flute has the effect that becomes the true sufi symphonic tale shrouded in mysticism.
Verdict: It’s a very good track and can be listened on a repeat mode – takes the listener into a sort of minor trance if you are a trance spiritual person.
Saen Zahour Toomba
From the lands of deserts and mystery, mysticism and sufi influences, comes attired in the colourful flagrant couture a pastoral son of the soil, Saeen Zahour. Zahour, with his rustic voice sings with true passion the kalams of devotion. This artist reminds the listener of the legend that Allan Faqir was. Zahour manages a superb performance. The sheer quality of his voice and the verve with which he presents his kalam proves this is a singer of the era gone by.
Instrumentation is of little mention when it comes to Zahour’s talent and the throw of his voice. This man takes all the right nuances and demonstrates the real sufi kalams – ones of devotion, sung with the vigour, not from just the vocal chords but rendering a voice from the diaphragm - this voice hits the listener directly in the mind and hence makes Zahour’s technique the true ages old sufi singing talent.
Refrains of the song with a two part harmony of Zahour’s earthy vocals make it even more appealing. This is an ageless track for all age groups. The sufi music has been in the sub continent since centuries now. This genre has always been amongst the most popular. Because of its spiritual nature and its performance talent – that is rare and is unique to the land from which it has brewed – Toomba which is again a devotional number is skilfully blended with modern instrumentation to create an appealing effect for the younger and foreign listeners. Therefore the sufi genre in today’s times become New Age Sufi music. A sufi symphony treat for all. Get tuned to more of these spiritual genres and explore a new dimension in modern music.
Winehouse's Tearful Return To U.K.
Troubled singer Amy Winehouse returned to her native Britain on Monday after an eight-month break in the Caribbean - and promptly burst into tears. The Back to Black hitmaker fled to St Lucia in December (08) in a last-ditch bid to conquer her drug addictions.
She briefly returned to the U.K. in March (09) but was back on the paradise isle within weeks - and spent the following four months relaxing in the sun, partying, and riding horses.
The singer finally returned to Britain arriving alone at London airport - where she broke down in tears as she was met by her driver and personal assistant.
An onlooker said: "Amy looked tired but happy to be home. She got a bit tearful when she met up with her driver and PA because she hasn't seen them for so long, but other than that she seemed to be in good spirits." Winehouse is due to appear in court in London later this month to answer a charge she punched an autograph hunter at a party last September (08).
La Toya Threatens To Name Jackson's Killers
Michael Jackson's sister La Toya is convinced she knows the group who killed her superstar sibling - and has vowed to go public with the murderers' names if the truth doesn't come out in court.
The King of Pop's sibling alleges a number of people took advantage of the singer and killed him to gain control of his music publishing catalogue, which she claims is worth more than $1 billion (£666 million). Jackson has already informed the authorities of who she believes is responsible - and she has promised to reveal the culprits to the world. She says: "If justice is not served in the courts, I will name them myself. I have made it clear to the police who is responsible. They must ensure, for Michael's sake, that the outcome is right."
The head of Los Angeles police, William Bratton, sparked speculation that Jackson's death was the result of foul play after confirming that cops are refusing to rule out the possibility the Thriller legend was murdered.
