Release Date: August 7, 2007 (One week before the 10th anniversary of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's death)
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was and is still very much considered to be one of the greatest Qawwals (singer of qawwali music) in the world; not only recognised as a legend in his native Pakistan he also took his musical messages of peace, love and spirituality to the international stage, earning him the title of Pakistan's premier ambassador of Qawwali music. The origins of Qawwali music trace back over seven hundred years to the spiritual Samah songs of Persia and the mystical faith of Sufism.
Nusrat's music is not only hugely revered in the devotional lives of Indo-Pakistani communities around the world, but from their spiritual roots his songs have also entered the secular world; The enormous Bollywood film industry has seen scenes set to the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan become an established element of any big production. While in the west, audiences were introduced to the power of Nusrat's music through collaborations with Eddie Vedder and Tim Robbins on the soundtrack for Dead Man Walking and with Peter Gabriel in Passion: Music for The Last Temptation of Christ.
Dubbed by many as the 'Elvis of the East' and the 'Bob Marley of Pakistan' these titles are not without foundation; some have claimed he has sold more albums than Elvis, and he has reached as many hearts and souls and crossed as many cultural and spiritual boarders as Bob Marley with his unique mix of poetic eastern spiritual and western musical themes.
This inspiring tribute to a legend of our time has been created by highly regarded London based producer and composer Gaudi, himself no stranger to crossing boundaries and forging links using the music of the world. Included in his impressive discography is the soundtrack for Hanif Kureishi's hit stage-play “My Beautiful Laundrette" - a soundtrack richly woven with the cultural traditions of Pakistani music. His Interchill's bestselling 2004 release Bass, Sweat & Tears (Interchill Records) skilfully unites many ancient and culturally diverse musical styles with 'gaudi-style' beats and bass in an inspiring musical exploration of our planet; which, alongside his remixes of other legends such as Bob Marley all add up to confirm Gaudi's skill as a producer and his credentials as musical diplomat.
Using recently discovered and rare vocal parts, recorded during sessions in Pakistan in the late 60's & early 70's, Gaudi has sensitively created a set of completely new tracks, crafted around Nusrat's uniquely beautiful melodies and universal themes of spirituality, peace and love. The overall essence of the album blends elements of Reggae - the international music of peace and love - with traditional instrumentation and modern production techniques creating a sound that is in turns uplifting, haunting, moving and warming. The task of creating a work that will carry the voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to new audiences around the world as well as his huge existing fanbase has been achieved without a doubt in this timeless collection of songs.
Gaudi's composition and arrangement has breathed new life into Nusrat's 30 year old vocal gems and with deep respect for the integrity of the original recordings has given them freshness and an increased accessibility to a wider audience. Perhaps this will in some way assist with the continuation of the task that the master set himself in his lifetime.
“Every soul has the right to live and worship his or her Creator. Sufisim is a message of affection and tranquility to bring different people together. People of God understand this message. It is my mission to share this message all over the world."
~ Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
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