Iran

1. Avaz-Ebayat-E Esfahan

2. Dastgah-E Chahargah

3. Dastgah-E Homayun: 1 Ere Partie

4. Dastgah-E Homayun: 2 Eme Partie

5. Dastgah-E Homayun: 3 Eme Partie

6. Avaz-E Bayat-E Kord

7. Douze Sequences du Reng-E Shahr Ashub

Iran,Various Artists,Ocora,Int'l & World Music,Iran,Pop

Average customer rating: A trip from the terrestrial to the celestial. First rate Pure Bliss Hindu-Persian Beauty it sends me

The Rain Ghazal Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost Songs Of The Silk Road As Night Falls On The Silk Road Night Silence Desert Without You Moon Rise Over the Silk Road ASIN: B00008UAGA Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Fire
2. Dawn
3. Eternity

Amazon.com

As on their previous releases, this much-admired Persian/Indian crossover duo have created a separate yet spacious universe that is tranquility incarnate. The musicans, who have named themselves after an ancient form of romantic poetry, perform on sitar (a multi-stringed Indian plucked instrument with a tall fretboard attached to a resonating gourd) and kamancheh (a sonorous but gutty-sounding spike fiddle) and voice, accompanied by a tabla virtuoso (a tuned skin drum commonly played in India and Pakistan). They wander hither and yon, seemingly traveling between dimensions of time, thought, and feeling. People who find Indian classical music too demanding for a beginner and/or have no idea what Persian music sounds like need have no fear. These three extended pieces, called "Fire," "Dawn," and "Eternity," may be somewhat rarified but they are also utterly accessible. Performing live before a respectfully rapt audience, Ghazal is at once sensuous, austere, fiery, and spiritual. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

A trip from the terrestrial to the celestial........2007-03-24

"Gazal": An Urdu word, to me it means: a delicate poem of love and passion.

Pl let me share a few known things. Ustaad Shujaat is a maestro of Sitar, a seven string Indian music instrument, with a big echo box made from a shell of a gourd. He excels in "Gayaki" style where strings are plucked and intonations made to emulate vocal chords. He hums along and renders the words with Sitar as a fiddle, to follow up. He has a deep commitment to the tradition, at the same time is fearless to experiment and improvise. Please listen to his other CD "Lajo" where pristine folk tunes from Punjab, India have been given a rebirth. Amazing, indeed.

Kayhan Kalhor, for me has been an amazing find and gift to Indians; from Persia With Love. I have no words to write about him, but admire his art, vision, virtuosity.

Together they in this CD will enthrall anybody. If you can follow the words, this is ecstatic. Otherwise it is sublime. Listen and enjoy these to take a flight to another planet.

This is very inspiring music, to go on a trip, from the terrestrial to the celestial.

ENJOY.

Anil, Iselin, NJ.

First rate.......2007-01-03

During a cab ride I took in New York, the driver played a CD of some Indian music which included a male voice as well as sitar, tabla and tambura. I asked him what it was and he wrote the name "Ghazal" as well as some other words that didn't show up on the Amazon search. The Rain is not the same CD and I'm not sure if it's even the same artist. The cab driver's CD was pure classical Indian and The Rain is a sort of fusion of Indian and Persian. If I made a mistake buying this CD it was a very lucky mistake because the quality of the music is very high. The interaction among the players is of a very high calibre, like that of the very best jazz combos as they take a motif and work it as if it were composed but with such a feel of spontaneity which is so much the excitment of improvisational music. I suppose that many people would like to find a piece of music like this if they only knew where to look. I got lucky with this one and I recommend it highly.

Pure Bliss.......2006-05-28

I own so many cd's of virtually every genre you could imagine among my favorites being indian classical, gypsy jazz, fusion, and flamenco. This cd is one of the few that i would rank among my very favorites. Shujaat Khan and Kayhan Kalhor play in complete sympathy with one another and are provided great tabla playing by the up and coming tabla virtuoso, Sandeep Das. The interesting thing about this group is that they combine effortlessly the two traditions of Indian Raga of North India and Persian Dastgah. These traditions are very different but you would never realize by listening to this music. They each uphold their tradition but welcome the other with open arms and mutual understanding. In short, If you should only buy one album this year, I would probably choose this one. All of the songs are great and long. The last track "Eternity" is probably my favorite clocking in at about 20 minutes and taking you to a place you could never imagine. Shujaatji really proves his remarkable since of music and his astonishing control over the sitar on this one. Also to check out would be Ustad Sultan Khan's album with Ustad Zakir Hussain of Raga Bhupali and Ali Akbar Khan's duet with Pandit Nikhil Banerjee on the Signature Series. ESSENTIAL TO ANY HUMAN BEING!

Hindu-Persian Beauty.......2005-12-18

Few CDs from my 4000 collection of CDs get into my car for a long ride as frequently as The Rain. I just cannot have enough of Kalhor's kamancheh sound and the peaceful Hindu-Persian feeling that it evokes. The sound brings back for me the memories of my younger days at my aunt's Safavid era house in the Northern Iran city of Rasht and the peaceful Zoroastrian temples of Iran and India where I spent a lifetime of happy hours. This is a keeper.

it sends me.......2005-12-09

My music staples are blues and rock, but I like all kinds. Whether it's blues or classical or Persian/Indian the masters of the genre put me in a zone that makes me forget about the cowboys looting our country. THis cd does that. These guys make great music.

Average customer rating: Stunz & Farah "Heat of the Sun" CD One of Their Best Heat Of The Sun Is One Hot Title! Delicately Sweet Guitar music from the Duo Mesmerizing! Strunz & Farah are guitar GODS!!!!

Heat of the Sun Strunz & Farah Manufacturer: Selva Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Costa Rica | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Americas Primal Magic Desert Guitars Zona Torrida Rio de Colores ASIN: B0000000HB Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

1. Jardin
2. Anaconda
3. Lucero
4. Illusion
5. Dark Fire
6. Heat Of The Sun
7. Recuerdo
8. La Tinaja
9. Damask
10. Pure Vida
11. Terremoto

Customer Reviews:

Stunz & Farah "Heat of the Sun" CD.......2007-03-22

Fantastic music! I fell in love with this combination of Spanish & Middle Eastern acoustic guitar when I strolled into a beautiful shop in LaJolla, CA... I asked right away WHAT is this music? I bought the CD ten years ago and listen to it almost EVERY DAY! It is soothing, invigorating, lively music full of lovely melodies I can't get enough of. I have since purchased other CDs by this duo (e.g., The Americas), but prefer the "Heat of the Sun" over the others. Enjoy.

One of Their Best.......2005-12-22

My first taste of the music of Strunz and Farah came roughly 15 years ago when I heard them on Austin's independent radio station KGSR. The DJ did not mention who they were, so I pulled off the road, called the station and got the name of the group and the album (Primal Magic). I liked what I heard so much that I detoured over to Waterloo Records and bought it on cassette.
Since that time, I have enjoyed many other Strunz and Farah recordings and have yet to hear a bad one.
Their earliest work while they were still in the process of establishing their style is sometimes repetitious and somewhat mediocre, but most of what I've heard is in the four to five star category, so the problem becomes trying to sort out the best from the rest. And since there is a superficial sameness to a lot of their music, albeit on a very high plane, the sorting becomes difficult.
Though I have not heard everything the duo has recorded, I've heard most of it. When Heat of the Sun was initially issued, availability was spotty perhaps because it was issued on a small independent label. I bought it on sight and when I put it in the CD player, it blew me away. Sometimes Strunz and Farah just play, and play very well, but on Heat of the Sun they play with a rare gusto that suggests syncronicity with their muse.
I like the entire CD a lot and it stands tall after ten years as one of the best of its genre. My favorites are the sprightly Jardin, the smouldering Dark Fire, the virtuoso title cut, the languid Recuerdo, the mellow La Tinaja, and what I consider the CD's best song, the dreamy soundscape that is Terremoto.
Its difficult to keep up with all the great music that comes out year after year, and especially difficult to keep up with a group as prolific as Strunz and Farah. So if you have just a couple of Strunz and Farah recordings in your collection, one of them should be Heat of the Sun, because it is definitely one of their best. I most highly recommend it.

Heat Of The Sun Is One Hot Title!.......2005-08-06

Strunz and Farah are amazing artists. This album showcases their talent, and proves that they are the best in the business. Do not hesitate to purchase Heat of the Sun, or Americas which I also have and can recommend.

Delicately Sweet Guitar music from the Duo.......2001-09-06

My quest for quality acoustic guitar music continues with "Heat of the Sun". It was "Guitar Greats - Best of New Flamenco" on Baja/TSR that got me started on acoustic guitar music. (my guitar CD collection now includes; Armik, Jesse Cook, Oscar Lopez, Ottmar Liebert, NovaMenco)

This is my first Strunz & Farah CD. I rate "Heat of the Sun" very highly indeed. Max. stars. Program content is excellent. plenty of variety from fast gorgeous numbers to slow sexy ones. The mix from the other instrumentalists adds real musical value to the total package. Well done! The sound quality of this CD is excellent as well.

All tracks in this CD are 5-star material, but my favorites got to be; Dark Fire; Jardin; and Recuerdo.

Great CD. Highly recommended.

Mesmerizing! Strunz & Farah are guitar GODS!!!!.......2001-06-01

This release evokes a beautiful tropical sunset on the beach, sipping on your favorite drink whilst knowing you are going to make passionate love to your significant other! The music is exciting, refreshing, sensual, lustful, passionate, and articulate, not to mention very melodious! The next best thing to sex is listening to Strunz & Farah (especially, this one, which is my fave) through my very revealing high end Magneplanar speakers, and being surrounded by the mellifluous tones of these perfectionists!!! Strunz & Farah totally rule!!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Wow! A super recording. Kayhan's best? BEAUTIFUL AND TRANSPORTING... Virtuosity, Perceivable Even by Novices Awsome!!

Night Silence Desert Mohammad Reza Shajarian , and Kayhan Kalhor Manufacturer: Trad. Crossroads ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music | Ambient | Celtic | Environmental | General | International | Jazz | Meditation Music | Piano | World Dance General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Without You The Rain In the Mirror of the Sky Lost Songs Of The Silk Road Faryad ASIN: B00004WH7X Release Date: 2000-10-03

Tracks:

1. Silence Of The Night
2. Desert
3. Instrument And Vocal
4. Desert Night
5. Rain
6. Festive Occasion
7. Dotar Instrumental
8. Setar Instrumental
9. Instrument And Vocal
10. Lovers' Plight

Amazon.com

Kayhan Kalhor is the world's leading exponent of the kamancheh, an upright spike fiddle. Renowned for his work with Ghazal, a group that bridges Indian and Persian music, he applies a similar approach to Iranian folk and classical forms on Night Silence Desert. The Radif (Persian classical repertoire) grew from folk forms, but over the centuries the music evolved from its simple rural origins into an elaborately ornamented and rigorously structured style. This album doesn't take the music back to its basics--there's too much refined virtuosity on display. But the musicians infuse their playing with a vigor and crisp cohesion that belies the record's fitful production. First Kalhor convened 11 strummers, drummers, and flute blowers in Tehran in 1994 to lay down the sweeping instrumental passages. Four years later he and vocalist Shajarian finished the record in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The two men exchange intricate call-and-response melodies that radiate impassioned exhilaration. --Bill Meyer

Customer Reviews:

Wow! A super recording........2005-05-26

Other reviews say all needed to know. This is a incredible cd if you really love music.

Kayhan's best?.......2004-12-16

With this beautiful album, Kayhan Kalhor hoped to bring more of a traditional (rather than solely art-music) musical slant into the art music of Iran. As he states in the liner notes (and rightly so), it's not folk music, as folk music is the music by and for the people... the people who work and sing all day, and play at night. This is a concept that is the same in the USA. There is "folk music" as a genre... populated by the Kingston Trio and Joan Baez, etc... and then there is the real folk music... music played by people who broke their backs at work on railroad tracks, in coal mines, in prisons, etc... That is the heart of folk music no matter where you are in the world. Spiritual subsistence music. Kayhan wanted to bring some of that spirit and some of that melodic feel back into Iranian classical styles. He was successful.

A huge part of this success is of course due to Mohammad Reza Shajarian. His style and degree of vocal control maybe unmatched (At least in terms of men. Oftentimes I greatly prefer women singers over their male counterparts) by all but a few other men on the whole planet.

Kayhan really is the spark behind all of this, though. Mohammad is the voice, but Kahyan is the reason this exists at all. His kamancheh playing is, as usual, gorgeous... and you also get a larger glimpse into his setar playing than is usual, at least by the standards of his other discs that I own. Although if i remember correctly, my favorite instance of his setar playing is on the Yo-Yo Ma Silk Road disc. I need to pop that one in again. It's been a while.

This isn't his most well-recorded disc... it's certainly not at the level of the 2 Ghazal albums I have, or Scattering Stars Like Dust, but I think the quality of the performance makes up for it.

BEAUTIFUL AND TRANSPORTING..........2004-05-16

NIGHT SILENCE DESERT is described in the notes to this CD as a `Khorasan suite' - Khorasan, Iran's largest province, located in the eastern part of the country and home to Masshad, the nation's holiest city, can be roughly translated as `the place where the sun rises'. Kayhan Kalhor has composed the music on this disc based on the classical and folk musics of Khorasan, inspired by his love for the form. The notes that accompany the disc go into great detail concerning the differences and similarities between the classical and folk forms - but rather than writing like a cold theoretician, Kalhor's respect and passion for the music makes the explanation interesting reading.

Kalhor is a master performer on the kemancheh (the traditional bowed lute of the region, widely used in Arab and Middle Eastern music) and setar (a 4-stringed plucked lute) - he is joined here by an exceptionally talented ensemble featuring dotar (a 2-stringed lute), barbat (oud), santur (an instrument similar to the Western hammered dulcimer), nay (a reed flute), ghooshmeh (a double-reed flute), cello, and assorted percussion instruments. The ten tracks on the disc flow together wonderfully - sometimes so smoothly that the listener might not notice the track has changed until the subtle shifts in mood and melody become apparent.

The words sung in the four vocal sections are, like the music, a mixture of ancient and modern - two are by masters from the 11th and 13th century, and two are by contemporary poets. The ghazal form of lyrical expression is one of the most moving and beautiful to be found in the world - and while the pieces on this disc are not sung in English, there are translations provided. The emotions expressed in the poetry are given glorious flight by the voice of Shajarian, one of the most respected vocalists in Persian music today - listening to his performances here, it's easy to understand why he is so revered.

Far from being a `fusion' disc, the music here (at least to my untrained ears) remains true to the essence of Persian classical music. This album is a real treat.

Virtuosity, Perceivable Even by Novices.......2002-12-08

One need not be steeped in the traditions of Persian/Iranian music to perceive the beauty and mastery of the musicians and music on this CD. From my perspective, when one reaches a certain level of artistic excellent, it is foolhardy to split hairs over whether one is listening to a "good" recording rather than a "great" one. For me, this music--hauntingly evocative, spiritual, and luminous in its beautiful complexity--is of the highest order of artistry.

This is a recording one can listen to repeatedly, each time discovering new nuances and patterns missed before. Highly recommended.

Awsome!!.......2002-06-16

This CD has to rank among the "cream of the crop" of contemporary renditions of taditional Persian music. I own a large selection of them and this is one of my most favorite. The lyrics are based on poems by such luminaries as H.A. Sayeh, Attar, and Baba Taher. The song "Baran" is nostalgic, sad and mesmerising.... I have to stop whatever I'm doing and just sink into this song. Kalhor is a magnificent artist and kamanche player -- i've seen him live in concert. Shadjarian is unrivaled. The dotar by hadj ghorban soleimani is great but doesn't really stand out in this CD -- he and his music are authentic folk music of N. Khorassan (which province in Iran i'm from :) i recommend buying his own CD. The CD insert contains a detailed description of the various instruments, all poems in the original Farsi as well as English translations. All in all a magnificent production and masterly composition from the poems to the vocals to the music. This is truely a gem of craftsmanship and artistary and i'm proud to be able to recomment it. :)

This is the CD that moved Simin Behbahani, Iran's preeminent living poetess, to utter "My heart was beating fast with every note of the tar and my throat was choking up." [p.13 in "Kojast Fekre Hakimi?", Ketab Corp, LA, 2003]

Average customer rating: Lost Songs of the Silk Road Opened my eyes again Seductive and mesmerizing...a welcome escape!

Lost Songs Of The Silk Road Ghazal Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: As Night Falls On The Silk Road The Rain Moon Rise Over the Silk Road Night Silence Desert Without You ASIN: B000000E4I Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

1. The Saga Of The Rising Sun
2. Come With Me
3. You Are My Moon
4. Safar/Journey

Amazon.com

The word ghazal means a type of Persian (Iranian) poetry and also describes an old style of romantic ballad often sung in India. The classical music traditions of Iran and India both feature complex scales and rhythms that demand a lifetime of study. However, they are highly compatible with each other, and combining them allows for fresh insights and deeper pleasures. Shujaat Hussain Kahn is the son of the legendary sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan, and his own command of the multistringed instrument is a wondrous thing. He is joined by Iran's Kayhan Kalhor, a master of the kamancheh, a spiked violin with a woodsy tone, and the setar, a small lute thought to be a prototype of the sitar. The brilliant tabla drummer Swapan Chaudhuri rounds out an all-star trio. Together they make exciting, accessible, richly melodic music that will delight listeners of all tastes and backgrounds. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Lost Songs of the Silk Road.......2007-02-24

It came on time in great conditon. I have listened to it several times.

Opened my eyes again.......2003-11-09

This music openned my eyes again. After hearing part of it on Public Radio while driving on the highway, I had to stop in an Indian music store in Chicago to get it.

Seductive and mesmerizing...a welcome escape!.......1998-10-17

I found that this music grows on you with repeated listening. It ebbs and flows, and before you know it you're transported to another time and place, not readily found in today's world. The fusion of Indian and Persian influences works surprisingly well. The vocal is an enchanting complement to the two exotic instruments. Not to be missed!

Average customer rating: Trust Me

The Wind Kayhan Kalhor Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nostalghia: Song for Tarkovsky In the Mirror of the Sky The Rain Night Silence Desert Piano Solo ASIN: B000H9I1AA Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

1. Part I
2. Part II
3. Part III
4. Part IV
5. Part V
6. Part VI
7. Part VII
8. Part VIII
9. Part IX
10. Part X
11. Part XI
12. Part XII

Amazon.com

In this follow-up to The Rain, his Grammy-nominated outing with the group Ghazal, the revered Iranian kamencheh (spike fiddle) virtuoso is back with another wonderful set of collaborators. This time, he is heard with Erdal Erzincan, master of the Turkish baglama (or saz), which resembles a long-necked oud but has a more earthy, plangent sound, accompanied by Ulas Özdemir on bass baglama. This first-ever recording of these two giants performing together is the result of extensive research, during which Mr. Kalhor made several visits over many years to Istanbul with Mr. Özdemir, who is also a noted musicologist, serving as his guide and translator. Once he encountered Mr. Erzincan, who is widely considered to be the finest living exponent of the ancient Anatolian tradition, they started searching for a common ground between their respective disciplines. This meant creating a bridge, over which the highly improvisational Persian sources and the more codified Turkish styles, which usually include vocals, could meet and flourish on their own terms. The resulting twelve instrumentals are fiercely inventive and gloriously played, as scratchy bowed and gutty plucked strings climb and dive, propelling one another to previously unimagined heights and depths. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Trust Me.......2007-01-20

I took a shot and Loved it. Great CD. Puts you right in the Middle East. Very Tranquil. This CD will put you in a calm Zone.

Regards,

Andre

Average customer rating: Incredible performance excellent masterpiece

Endless Vision Hossein Alizadeh , and Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: World Village ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Iranian Music: Saz-Eno Without You Faryad The Wind Absolute Quintet ASIN: B000BZ881W Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. Birds
2. Armenian Romances
3. Sari Galin
4. Call of the Birds
5. Mama
6. Shurangiz Improvisation
7. Tasnif Parvaneh Sho

Amazon.com

Any recording featuring elderly Armenian duduk (an ancient, nine-holed shawm-oboe made of apricot wood) virtuoso Djivan Gasparyan is worth treasuring. But this time out, he was heard in particularly august company and under extraordinary circumstances. In September, 2003, the maestro, along with Grammy-nominated Iranian plucked string virtuoso Hossein Alizedeh and a hand-picked group of collaborators, gathered at Teheran's Niavaran Palace. The personnel included Alizedeh's own Hamavayan Ensemble, with Armen Ghazarian and Vazgen Markaryan on duduk and bass duduk, plus vocalists Afsaneh Rasaei, Hourshid Biabani, and Ali Samadpour. Alizedeh is a renowned composer and a foremost living exponent of the tar and other members of the Persian lute family. However, for this recital, he is heard on the six-stringed shurangiz, a relatively recent and notably resonant descendent of that clan. Gasparyan's mature grace ignites Alizadeh's impetuosity as the two men negotiate the highest peaks of passion and inspiration; both are captured at their best and that's saying a lot. But aside from the musical brilliance on hand, the event also constituted a social breakthrough, in which a female singer performed live with an otherwise male roster and appeared before a mixed-sex audience. --Christina Roden

Amazon.com

Any recording featuring elderly Armenian duduk (an ancient, nine-holed shawm-oboe made of apricot wood) virtuoso Djivan Gasparyan is worth treasuring. But this time out, he was heard in particularly august company and under extraordinary circumstances. In September, 2003, the maestro, along with Grammy-nominated Iranian plucked string virtuoso Hossein Alizedeh and a hand-picked group of collaborators, gathered at Teheran's Niavaran Palace. The personnel included Alizedeh's own Hamavayan Ensemble, with Armen Ghazarian and Vazgen Markaryan on duduk and bass duduk, plus vocalists Afsaneh Rasaei, Hourshid Biabani, and Ali Samadpour. Alizedeh is a renowned composer and a foremost living exponent of the tar and other members of the Persian lute family. However, for this recital, he is heard on the six-stringed shurangiz, a relatively recent and notably resonant descendent of that clan. Gasparyan's mature grace ignites Alizadeh's impetuosity as the two men negotiate the highest peaks of passion and inspiration; both are captured at their best and that's saying a lot. But aside from the musical brilliance on hand, the event also constituted a social breakthrough, in which a female singer performed live with an otherwise male roster and appeared before a mixed-sex audience. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Incredible performance.......2007-05-22

The concert recorded on this disc has perhaps the most incredible composition I've ever heard, either in Persian or Western repertoire. Alizadeh's playing is incredible, and the duduk is a haunting and memorable addition. Some parts are very beautiful, others equally sad. The melodies will stay with you for a long time.

excellent.......2007-05-12

both the music and the songs masterfully arranged and performed, emotionally uplifting; strumming the strings of your heart?

masterpiece .......2006-12-22

This is a rare collaboration between legendary Gasparyan and Alizadeh. If you like Persian music you will definitely like this CD. Make sure you listen to tracks 4 and 7 first though!

Average customer rating: Meditative reflective music repetitious-repertoire.... Soothing to the soul... Kayhan Kalhor/Shujaat Husain Khan masters of improvisation Amazing

As Night Falls On The Silk Road Ghazal Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost Songs Of The Silk Road The Rain Moon Rise Over the Silk Road Night Silence Desert Without You ASIN: B00000AFQ3 Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

1. My Eyes, My Heart
2. Between Dawn And Dawn A New Truth
3. Snowy Mountains
4. Traces Of The Beloved

Amazon.com

This is the second release to feature the exceptional collaboration between Persian and Indian musical masters and it is every bit as good. Kayhan Kalhor is a consummate player of the kamancheh (Persian spike fiddle). In Kalhor's hands this instrument has a range of expression from gentle melancholy to fiery passion. Shujaat Hussain Khan is the masterful sitarist of this musical meeting. His pure tone and technique create watery cascades of notes, and at other times, eruptions of bright sparks of sound. Swapan Chaudhuri, tabla virtuoso, provides the rhythmic foundation and deft percussive ornamentation. The four long pieces on this title are rich treasure troves of classical technique and dazzling improvisation. The marvelous interplay between the bowed kamancheh, the plucked sitar, the struck tabla, and the warm vocals, exemplify not only the meeting of the remarkable minds of the musicians, but also the joining of two rich musical traditions finding harmonious common ground. --Jeff Grubb

Customer Reviews:

Meditative reflective music.......2007-03-27

I got this disc on the recomendation and result of reading some of the reviews here, most notably by "peperflower." As a result I was very satisfied and play this disc whenever I need that break from reality to ease into another state of mind;it always works. The colloboration of Persian and Indian music that is meditative is an experience that should be experienced by all world music lovers. The peaceful harmonies are foreign but familiar. If you read the names of the songs you get the picture. The improvisation by the musicians and mesmerizing vocals is perfect music for reflection. The tablas and sitar couple beautifully with the kamancheh(spike fiddle) to create an ancient sound that is timeless. This music takes you on a journey; on a soujourn of the soul and it's inner workings. Somehow peace comes through all the surrounding chaos of our existence when you listen to your heartbeat and the music of Kayhan Kalhor & Shujarat Husain Khan. This is a masterpiece of improvisation that rivlaies the greatest jazz and blues musicians of the western world. Listen to this disc and find your peace. Peace be with you.

repetitious-repertoire...........2005-08-18

I found Ghazal's live recording -The Rain- to be a mesmerizing fusion of Persian music with Indian Raga(5-stars). But I have been disappointed with other recordings that I have sought out,for the simple reason that I find Ghazal's repertoire to be surprisingly limited.This disc for example has only the 3rd track that is "new",the other 3 tracks are variations of what is on the live recording. Same melodic lines with fresh improvised structures.Sure,this is a fine recording with outstanding musicianship and thus will serve to treat the first time listener with a delightful experience. however, Iam sad to say that one only needs to own any one of their recordings and that is all. It is a repetitious-repertoire...on disc,however,this music really lives on the stage,it is a living-tradition that perhaps was never meant to be "recorded".

Soothing to the soul..........2005-07-26

Ghazal keeps a beautiful flow of music floating around your mind.

Kayhan Kalhor/Shujaat Husain Khan masters of improvisation.......2004-09-23

I have got many CDs of Persian music but I consider this one the most beatiful among them.
The sound experience of the players and the mastery of instruments show through the whole album but it's in "Traces of the Beloved" (4th track) that you can find confirmation of that.
If I were in everyone of you fans of persian music, I'd buy this CD with no hesitation at all. It lasts almost 75 minutes and you enjoy every moment.
You can clearly notice how well Kalhor and Husain Khan play their improvisations with one mind and one heart. There are moments in which one player leaves way to the other and viceversa.
Tip: the first time you listen to this CD, don't be envolved in other mansions. Just list to the music and let your mind fly hand in hand with the setar of Sujaat Husain Khan.

Amazing.......2003-02-20

This is one of the most fantastic, relaxing, dreamy CD's you will ever own...I plan on buying the other 2 as soon as possible.
I have a wide range of musical favorites, from Godflesh to old school punk to The Chemical Brothers...Ghazal seems to speak to me for some reason. You can put this CD in and just float through the whole set mesmerized. I have no other way to describe it.
awesome

Average customer rating: The Glorious Heritage of Persia Some omissions

Rough Guide to the Music of Iran Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rough Guide to the Music of Malaysia The Rough Guide to the Music of Turkey The Rough Guide to the Music of Central Asia Without You The Rough Guide to the Music of Egypt ASIN: B000FQJPIW Release Date: 2006-06-23

Tracks:

1. Afsoongar (Glamorous) - Arian Band
2. Dekay Ambar, Dekay Auber - The Kamkars
3. Sari Gailin - Hossein Alizadeh & Djivan Gasparyan
4. Yazdah - Trio Chemirani
5. Daramad Homayoun - Parvin Javdan
6. Dashti - Abdolnaghi Afsharnia
7. Saz Va Avaz - Dastan Ensemble & Shahram Nazeri
8. Showgh - Kayhan Kalhor & Ali Akbar Moradi
9. Lullaby - Jahle
10. Misri Koroglu - Chengis Mehdipour
11. Dar Har Rage Man (Within Each Of My Veins) - Barad
12. Haj Ghorban Soleimani - Zareni Hossain Yar
13. Ya Ghows - Din Mohammad Zangeshahi
14. Darde Eshgh - O-Hu
15. Torkaman - Masster Of Persian Music

Amazon.com

Produced and annotated by UK-based Rough Guides and SongLines editor Simon Broughton (the enhanced CD includes an enlightening interview with him), this admirable compilation travels through fifteen varied tracks, showcasing some of Teheran's finest classical practitioners, cutting-edge pop stars, folk singers, and even a few invaluable and previously unheard field recordings. As is typical of so much of the Middle East, history is a living part of daily life in modern Iran. Latter-day expressions descend from ancient Persia's highly rarified and sophisticated culture, where centuries of troubadour-poets plied their craft before enlightened despots. Many of the instruments, from the shawm-like duduk, captured live in a performance by the great Djivan Gasparyan, to Kayhan Kalhor's scratchy yet agile kamancheh (spiked fiddle) harbor haunting parallels with early Western music. But the most overwhelming impression is of diversity, whether in terms of outlook, opinion, or tribal identity, as scholars and hip-hoppers, traditionalists and iconoclasts, Armenians, Kurds, and the nation's lesser-known black minority all get heard from. And in these troubled times, anything capable of reminding the more jingoistic among us that relating to the so-called "Axis of Evil" will prove more complicated than an action movie or a computer game is very welcome. --Christina Roden

Album Description

The traffic-choked streets of Tehran and the magnificent mosques of Esfahan, the underground DJs and the Sufi minstrels of Kurdistan, are all reflected in the vibrant musical scene in Iran. From contemporary rappers to folk legends, from great singing stars to contemporary bands, from regional traditionalists to the trance musicians of Baluchistan, this Rough Guide features a captivating cross-section of contemporary Iranian sounds.

Customer Reviews:

The Glorious Heritage of Persia.......2006-10-02

In recent years, the media has embarked on a campaign to villify Iran as little more than a fanatical Islamic theocracy seeking to "destroy our way of life". Yet there is another side of Iran that few westerners get to see. For thousands of years (before the Roman empire, even before Alexander!), Persia has been a great center of art, literature, poetry, learning, music and culture. Great works like the Shah-Nameh, Hazer Afsaneh (from which the 1001 Nights originated) and the poetry of Rumi, Hafez and Omar Khayyam all came from Iran. Since the Arab invasion of the 7th century, the Persians have worked to assert their own identity, and in the proccess wound up influencing much of the Middle East and South Asia. Many Iranians are quite proud of this heritage (rightly so I might add), and proudly call themselves Persian.

This CD is but a small sampling of the incredible musical diversity in modern day Iran. Such a survey is obviously going to leave out some major artists (such as the pop diva Googoosh, as the other reviewer pointed out), but this CD benefits from being very fresh and up to date. As such, it can serve as a cross-cultural window for more westerners to see the REAL Iran. The classical, improvisational music of Persia is well represented by Kayhan Kolhor & Ali Akbar Moradi, the Masters of Persian Music and Hossein Alizadeh & Djivan Gasparyan (their song, "Sari Gailin" mixes Persian, Armenian and even Azeri influences), standing in contrast to the modern pop/rock of groups like Arian Band (named for the ancient Aryans, after whom Iran was named), Barad and O-Hum (who's song "Darde Eshgh" features some awesome vocals and guitar). And yes, even women are represented. Parvin Javdan and Zohreh Bayat from the all-female Rozaneh ensemble perform a wonderful song, quoting from the beloved Sufi poet Hafez.

Folk and ethnic music is also represented, showing the traditions of rural Iran (which includes numerous minority groups like the Kurds, Armenians, Qashqai, Turkomen, Azeris, Baluchis, etc). The legendary Kamkar ensemble showcases the irregular metered percussion of Kurdistan on "Dekay Ambar, Dekay Auber". Haj Ghorban Soleimani, a bashkhi or bard from Khorasan, tells a story from Hazer Afsaneh accompanied by the dotar on "Zareni Hossain Yar". Chenghis Medhipour showcases the epic song traditions of the Azeris, and Din Mohammad Zangeshahi shows the folk art of Baluchistan, while another Shahram Nazeri (also Kurdish) leads the Dastan Ensemble in a performance of Sufi music. But one of the great high-lights of this CD comes from the Jahle band (descendant of freed black African slaves, now settled along Iran's coast), who perform a lullaby made popular by being played on BBC. Demmand for this song, which until now was unavailable, proved so great that World Music Network spend a great deal of time working with the BBC to release it. Exclusive to this CD, fans should be glad that we can now get our hands on it.

From the first notes of the Arian Band's pop song Afsoongar, to the haunting last echos of the (aptly named) Masters of Persian Music, this CD serves as a wonderful journey across the incredibly varied country of Iran. It is a window into a world few in the west get to see, and it's a tragedy that this CD is not sold in every book and music store across the nation. I STRONGLY recommend that anyone who is interested in seeing the TRUE face or Iran and/or the Middle East purchase this CD. It will greatly expand your mind, showing you the beauty, grandeur and majesty that is Persian culture. Even those who are already familar with Persian music will find this CD an incredibly worthwhile purchase, because of the inclusion of several unique or hard to find tracks (particularly "Lullaby" by the Jahle Band). So do yourself a favor and go out and buy this CD.

Some omissions.......2006-08-09

Interesting assortment, including rock music from Iran (the Arian Band, licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Islamic Republic of Iran); however, there are some omissions.

Where is pop icon Googoosh? Where is folk singer Sima Bina? Both ladies are missing from this compilation. Without them, this CD is not a representative collection of music from Iran.

Average customer rating: A Haunting Performance by Virtuosos Magical. Beautiful! Over the cubicle wall and across international boundaries Beautiful, as always! Good CD

Iran - Persian Classical Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Without You Faryad Monika Jalili : NoorSaaz Night Silence Desert As Night Falls On The Silk Road ASIN: B000005IWG Release Date: 1991-04-17

Tracks:

1. Dastgah Shur
2. Dastgah Homayoun
3. Dastgah Segah
4. Zarb Solo
5. Dastgah Chahargah
6. Dastgah Mahour

Customer Reviews:

A Haunting Performance by Virtuosos.......2003-05-05

Although I am a new convert to so-called "world music", I know there's no turning back now. After listening to this CD continually for the last two days, I've found myself desperately searching Amazon for more Persian music, and the web for more information about this fabulous group. The vocalist's ululating, almost pained voice seems a haunting precursor of the dark times that lay ahead (the album was recorded in 1974, five years before the rise of the mad Ayatollah and his fundamentalist government) and there is a palpable, frenetic urgency to the musicians' playing. The liner notes contain enough information for the listener to understand the instruments used and the forms of Persian classical music, although the black and white photographs of the players and their instruments are rather too small. The cover photograph, however, is beautiful and intriguing. In short, a perfect introduction to Persian music for the novice listener.

Magical. Beautiful!.......2002-05-31

I love Iranian music. I highly recommend that you add this to your collection immediately.

Over the cubicle wall and across international boundaries.......2002-03-07

I heard a bit of Persian music on the radio driving to lunch one day, and I didn't want to leave the car when I got to the restaurant because the music was so hypnotic and beautiful.

I know very little about Persian music, so when I returned to work, I asked an Iranian friend and cubicle neighbor if she had any CDs I good borrow to get a taste. This is one of the CDs she passed over the cubicle wall.

I played it last night and loved it. Anyone who loves music will be entranced by this CD. My favorite piece last night was Dastgah Mahour, but depending on my mood, any one of them could be my favorite. There are no less than wonderful tracks.

Beautiful, as always!.......2001-05-19

I am related to Faramarz Payvar, so ANYTHING he does is great to me! He is a master.

Good CD.......2000-09-26

This is a very good cd. Its well made with a mixture of iranian instruments. It has santur, sufi, sufi nei, sittar and some others. This music is the first traditional music of perisan (iran). The rythem is zarb is very stealth, like a cheetah. It goes faster, then slower, faster then slower, etc. The sufi is very peaceful, like a sitting bird, pondering. The sittar is also a very traditional instrument of iran and is presented very well with a lot of passionate rythems. This item is highly recommended for iranians that enjoy classical persian music.

Average customer rating: Truly sacred

Under the Moroccan Sky Various Artists Manufacturer: Sounds True Direct ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music Egypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music Morocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music France | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music Gypsy | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Moroccan Spirit B'ismillah: Fes Festival Of World Sacred Music Hamdulillah: Fes Festival Of World Sacred Music, Vol. II Rhythms of Morocco Arabo-Andalusian Sufi Songs ASIN: B00005B53M Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Musa Dieng Kala
2. Ibn 'Arabi
3. Houria Aichi
4. Dufay Collective
5. Tekameli
6. Nass El Ghiwane
7. Aruna Sairam
8. Avay-E-Doust
9. Sheikh Tacine Al Tuhamy

Customer Reviews:

Truly sacred.......2001-07-30

The music on this CD is magical in its way of taking you to sacred places, to see in your mind's eye the spirits that live around us. Listening to this music on a hot summer evening is a truly heart and mind touching experience! It is a rare CD indeed that keeps me listening to it over and over again! The similarities and differences of religious music around the world makes for excellent doctoral dissertation stuff, and I won't go there now, but the rich tapestry of sounds presented here make me want to go immediately to North Africa and the Middle East. Magnificent!!

World Music:

1. Jesus Cristo 70 [Import]
2. Kein Zufall [Import]
3. Klapa Fa Lindo
4. Libero Sentire [Import]
5. Marasma General [Import]
6. Maria Bethania/Maria Ao Vivo [Import]
7. Mauvaises Nouvelles Des Etoiles [Original recording remastered] [Import]
8. Meus Momentos [Import]
9. Mit 17 Fängt Das Leben Erst An [Import]
10. Muitos Carnavais [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Flower Plower

Schumann: Symphonies No. 1 "Spring" & No. 3 "Rhenish"

String Quartets Op 9

Dream Drops [Import]

Sunday 8pm [Import]

Tear the Roof Off 1974-1980

Salimu! Heshimu!

The Invitation [Import]

Sun Family: Chapter 22 Years

Ravel: Works for Piano, Violin & Cello

The Economy of Sound [Enhanced]

Por Te Amar Assim [Import]

Navidad con Banda

Bernstein Century - Mahler: Symphonies no 2 & 8 (Part 1), etc...

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