Night Song

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Michael Brook

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 1996)
• Original Release Date: February 20, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Real World
• ASIN: B000000HPH
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #86,584 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > India & Pakistan > Pakistan

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
Canadian experimental guitarist Brook and the late, "shining star of Qawwal" come together for a second time to bring the music of Pakistan into a creative new realm. If you are a traditionalist who wants nothing but Pakistani music, stay away. This album is soaked in ambient electronic guitar noises and some of Khan's most out-of-the-tradition singing. These experiments are not to be confused with lots of the electro-noodling, however. Both artists were devoted to their gods and their music, and it shows in the potency of these tracks. Brook seems to have been a natural match for Nusrat and has drawn out an unusual performance that probably fulfills the ideas that were only hinted at in their first collaboration, Musst Musst. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meditation., March 20, 2000

By	Jason Stein (Chula Vista, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "We do not sing, we are made to sing.", June 16, 2006

By	James Ferguson (Vilnius, Lithuania) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Collaboration and Synergy, May 24, 2006

By	applewood (everywhere and nowhere) - See all my reviews

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.