Qawwali ....Nasrut Fateh Ali Khan

In these days of talentless artists playing meaningless, souless music, who make up for their shortcomings with glitz, heavily choreographed dance moves and scandalous appearances it is nice to come across the few like NFAK, Nikhil Banerjee, Bismillah Khan, Eva Cassidy, Emil Gilels, and others. These are the artists for whom it was only music that mattered.

I am surprised that so many of you have enjoyed Nikhil Banerjee's performances. Thank you for writing and simply letting me know. Perhaps you may also want to drop Steve Baigel a line. The documentary is a labor of love for him and it is a long time coming. Steve has been using his own funds to make it and he is far from being rich. His eventual hope is that he will be able to sell it to PBS etc.

There are quite a few of NFAK's DVDs available. They are mermerizing to say the least. The best way to watch them is to grab yourself a strong cup of Kashmiri Indian Chai, turn up the volume and enjoy.

There are countless lovers of NFAK around the world and I am one of them. It is too difficult to go over which ones are the best but here is a link to help to get started:

http://www.audioworld.com/sw/Forum1/HTML/005477.html

His performances take on a much much deeper meaning if you understand the language.

To find CDs and DVDs your best bet would be to visit your local Indian/Pakistani music store. In Houston, Texas there are two that I know of:

1) Maharani

2) Rahul & I

There several other performers of Sufi Music that you should consider:

1) Abida Parveen

2) Fareed Ayaz Qawwal

3) Sabri Brothers

4) Sai Baba

And many more...

Snipets of the above can be seen on YouTube.

Keep in mind that the Indian made stuff is not of as high quality as the stuff made in the West but some of it is surprisingly well done. You can also check out the Ocora Label (French) for a 5 cd set which is fabulous. Drop me a line if you need more info. Since NFAK has inspired you enough to write on these pages, I want you to do me a favor and check out a documentary in progress, it is called "That which Colors the Mind" by Steven Baigel. You can find it on the net. I would like to know your opinion of N. Banerjee. I am curious to know whether his music touches you as much as me. Listen to it when you are in a "peaceful" state of mind not when you are in a rush perhaps late at night with headphones on.

Yep. The Ocora Label is it. You may want to contact Maharani or Rahul and I in Houston for a better price. Glad you enjoyed Nikhil Banerjee. Several CDs of his are available on the Chhanda Dhara label and on Raga Records. Again, I suggest contacting the above for the lowest prices. It is difficult to choose a few, I can only tell you which I like but you may not. Let me know if you would still like to know.

Here are some more performers you may enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZWyhhE1sxw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8BgubvXWM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddmrZODI208

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXkAXolK_WI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgdaLWBvXA0