Monday, June 29, 2009

Sar Masti by Zila Khan : A Tribute to Hazrat Amir Khusrau


Zila Hussein Khan is the inheritor of the legacy of the oldest school of Sitar and Surbahar and the daughter of the illustrious Sitar Maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan.Blessed with a gifted voice; she has a diverse repertoire while excelling in Sufi themes. Sar Masti is a tribute to Hazrat Amir Khusrau, the 13th century genius who is considered as the father of Qawwali.

Generations of singers have lend voice to the poetry of Hazrat Amir Khusrau .What makes this attempt by Zila Khan stands out is the pooling of her wide experience which while at the same time being entrenched in her classical foundation also explores the nuances of other formats. No doubt she has performed at World Jazz Festival and Musical play in English.

The Album begins with the popular Man Kunto Maula .The highlight of this number is the beautiful tarana sung with dexterity meandering through intricate rhythmic patterns.
The second number is a recitation of poetry followed by its rendition.
Abr-Mi-Barado man bhi shabam,Aj yaar judaa/
Chun Kuman Dil-ya-Chuni,Roz je dildar judaa/
(Like the rain parts from the clouds, I too am separated from my ‘Pir’, my beloved……)
This poetry in Persian speaks the devotion of the poet to his Master Hazrat Nizamuddin.
Zila Khan portrays this poignant number manifesting the sentiment of the poet.

The next number is another popular number of the poet, Chhap tilak sab chhini re mose naina milaike …..(You took away my all, just by looking into my eyes…..)
The secular love that is transformed into divine love is the underlying theme. The vocals are again the focal point of this number.

Aeri Sakhi more khwaja ghar aaye is the selection which conveys the ecstatic outpourings of the poet following the visit of his Master. The languorous rendition to the perfect accompaniment of musical instruments is a listener’s delight.

The Album ends with the Zihal-e –Miskin Makun Tagaful, Duray Naina, Banaye Batiyan. This number famous for its witty crafting of both Persian and local dialects conveys the sublime feelings of the poet for getting the grace of his Master. This captivating rendition exhibits the exquisite voice-culture of Zila Khan .An Album that would appeal to all categories of listeners. The Album has been released by Music Today

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