Shams' debut album gives us a solid introduction to the folk and semi-classical music of Afghanistan. The album's title, Flowers of Exile, refers to the Afghani diaspora forced by Russian and U.S. invasions, the ravages of war, and internal Taliban persecution. (Stories exist of musicians in...
Learn More »
Shams' debut album gives us a solid introduction to the folk and semi-classical music of Afghanistan. The album's title, Flowers of Exile, refers to the Afghani diaspora forced by Russian and U.S. invasions, the ravages of war, and internal Taliban persecution. (Stories exist of musicians in Afghanistan hiding or burying their instruments to keep them from being confiscated or destroyed by the Taliban.)
Situated in the middle of central Asia as it is, it stands to reason that Afghanistan would absorb sounds from the cultures surrounding it. Persian poetry and the influence of the rag and tala systems and instrumentation of Northern India are in evidence here, mixed in with the amalgam of Afghani indigenous cultures.
The resulting sound is rich, yet with a filigreed delicacy. Robab, harmonium, tabla, dholak, flute, and saxophone come together to create a sound that relies more on contrast than blend for its appeal. There is a refreshing lack of pretense and flash on this release. The voices are frank and open and the playing serves the melody, not vice versa.
« Hide Description