Customer Reviews

Night Song

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am writing a review of Night Music because I feel that Nusrat's music is very important to rock and roll. This Pakistani singer, who sadly passed away a few years back, had the power to touch the soul with his singing. Though I can't understand a word he said, Night Music's feelings are well received. I like to think of Nusrat's music as mesmerizing and hypnotic as well as emotionally raw. Michael Brook just enhances Nusrat's ideas, making this recording a haunting, painfully sweet listen. This is a must have for any rock collector. Thank you to Peter Gabriel for creating his RealWorld label in which we get to hear such fine musicians from other countries of the world.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is best known for Qawwali music, the devotional music of the Sufis, taking it to incredible heights, but here we see perhaps his most successful cross-over album, with an excellent supporting cast, including Michael Brook on infinite guitar, keyboards and percussion, that gives Nusrat's music a broader feel. It was really a shame to lose Nusrat at the peak of his career. He had become involved in so many fascinating projects, including singing with Eddie Vedder on "The Face of Love," from the soundtrack to "Dead Man Walking." His soaring harmonics were a badly needed infusion into the world music scene, when it was beginning to grow stale.

This is my favorite recording of either of these talented musicians. It is moving musically and vocally; a harmonious balance of sound, culture, traditions. There may not be the traditional Sufi devotional songs with tabla, clapping and harmonium Nusrat is best known and loved for (see his GOLD TO DUST field recording), or the Bollywoodish pop songs he did (with such enthusiasm). I don't have a clue what he's singing about here, but it is clearly spiritual, relaxing, uplifting and transformative. Much of it is non verbal, just his voice soaring in joy. Brook's subtle and tasteful guitar loops and layers compliment this mood beautifully.

Excuse the use of such a cliche, but the West has finally met the East, and done so in a way that is truly brilliant. Not being a great supporter of Nusrat's attempts at "Westernizing" qawwalis, even I have to admit that Michael Brook succeeded in creating a tasteful mix that the great maestro himself was unable to master. Though largely devoid of the repetitive chants and driving rythms of a qawwali, this album still captures the hypnotic qualities of Nusrat's best work. His voice is set against a background of music that is rich but not over-powering. As Nusrat's voice flits from a deep, throaty groan to a clear, haunting wail, it becomes clear that he has truly transcended the barrier of language, and is able to convey pure, raw emotion through music alone. This is perhaps the best aspect of Night Song - being able to hear a voice so miraculous without the clutter that usually surrounds it in his other works. The end result - hauntingly beautiful.

Like much of the music produced with heavy synthesizer backdrops, "Night Song" is essentially an album designed for mood and atmosphere, rather than intense musical evaluation. Where this album differs from "Mustt Mustt" is primarily in the handling of Nusrat's vocals. The earlier collaboration was actually a collaboration, with the backdrops designed to compliment the range of textures produced by Khan's voice. "Night Song", however, uses the Voice like just another sample on most tracks, coming in for awhile and then dropping out, giving way to stale breakbeats and synth washes. While I can't give this album a bad rating, I would say go for the first Brook/Khan project and especially Nusrat's recordings with his Qawwali Party.

This album is essentially a fusion of great musical minds. The legendary Khan payes more attention to making this a better experience for the western audiences of the Sufi music by playing more with his (brilliant) vocal skills then with the lyrics. Micheal Brooks' music stands out and enhances the experience further. This is not to say that the mainstream Indo-Paki audience won't enjoy this album ( This is one of my all time favs). It is fabulous background listening while doing work which may need focus - for those who need music to do such things... :)

For those who have been thinking of testing out Sufi music, this is the place to start. This is a fine introduction to the great NFAK and Sufi music.

I picked up this CD thinking that it would be similar to some of Khan's other music that I've listened to. Instead I discovered a whole new experience. This album is a wonderful discovery for someone who has little experience with Pakistani music and does not understand what is being said except through the overall feel of the song. Khan's partner on this album Michael Brook adds an energy to the whole album that was absent on previous works. Together the two form music that is rich with tradition combined with new elements.

Definitely worth buying. The tracks are a mix between the Sufi music (of Pakistan) and modern beats of the West. Appeal to music fans of all ages!

I wish people can understand the punjabi language with it's pure Pakistani essence.By understanding the lyrics fused with western music makes This Album out of this world. Pure magic of NFAK's voice and Brook's increadible talent have created this miracle. I am absolutely touched to my soul whenever I listen to this album. This is so sad NFAK is not among us. But I am blessed to witness the life and magic of a legend during his lifetime. He was indeed the greatest master of all times.

This CD is simply put.....AMAZING...I have never heard any vocalists voice carry such a range of emotions and feelings...sounds like Nusrat is drawing out feelings from your gut...His voice is like a spell that you will not want to escape from..
yet it has such a trippy feel that you cant help float away with the dreamy and haunting production...
Michael Brooks is musical genius who has tapped into the soul of Nusrats voice effortlessley....
This CD will definitely take you to a whole new place...
If you dont have it..you JUST dont know what you'r missing!!
Nusrat..May you always rest in peace...