BQP is proud to release our self-titled debut CD. To purchase Brooklyn Qawwali Party's debut CD and/or mp3s, please click here or visit http://cdbaby.com/cd/brooklynqawwali
Brooklyn Qawwali Party" features four songs:
1. Mustt Mustt
2. Man Kunto Maula
3. Beh Haadh Ramza Dhasdha
4. Allah Hu
Total Time: 42:25
PRESS RELEASE FOR ALBUM:
A PARTY NOT TO BE MISSED
Brooklyn Qawwali Party Pays Tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on Debut
Paying tribute to one of the world’s great vocalists, Brooklyn Qawwali Party formed to honor the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Reworking his thunderous songs into an eclectic, eleven-piece orchestra comprised of groundbreaking jazz musicians, they captured their unique live sound with their debut recording, Brooklyn Qawwali Party. Four songs and over forty-two minutes in length, they’ve taken a snapshot of their upbeat and learned performance and captured it on tape.
“The response has been extremely positive,” says founder and percussionist Brook Martinez about his project. “I'm constantly surprised at all the support we've received, especially from the young Pakistani-American community. Many people seem so happy that a group of non-Pakistani musicians would play this music in such a respectful yet innovative way. All the band members have been doing this out of love for the music and each other.”
This passion comes through in each chord and rhythm on BQP. Starting with one of Nusrat’s essential tunes, “Mustt Mustt,” the Party takes off on a saxophone- and trumpet-led reworking. The percussion fills in beautifully, while they all chant the chorus throughout. The name of Nusrat’s first groundbreaking release alongside Canadian guitarist Michael Brook – an album that launched the qawwal’s career in the Western world – as well as epic remix by Massive Attack, “Mustt Mustt” is, to many, the very heart and soul of this singer. BQP’s tribute is equally expressive.
As is the slowed-down, nearly melancholic “Man Kunto Maula,” an important sentiment for Sufis as it is a hadith (saying of Mohammed), which begins every meeting of the Sufic Order. The drum- and bass-driven dialogue peaks over time on this mighty fifteen-minute interpretation. They built from that to launch into “Beh Haadh Ramza Dhasdha,” originally released on Nusrat’s album Shabaaz.
BQP closes with another classic, “Allah Hu.” Beginning with simple handclaps and the chorus, “Allah Hu” (“God, Just He”) over and over, the snaking drum rhythm and rising harmonium soon explode. Again the saxophone defines the Brooklyn Qawwali Party, adding a smooth edge in place of the ecstasy of vocals Nusrat provides. Their translations of Nusrat’s music may be the most innovative happening since Nusrat himself began experimenting with artists from around the world.
“As a musician, you become accustomed to having to do whatever it takes to gain attention toward your music,” says Martinez. “What's incredible about BQP is that we never seem to have to vie for attention. People simply want to hear it. It's a wonderful feeling for us. Without that demand, bands eventually crumble.”
Given the strength and musical dexterity of Brooklyn Qawwali Party, it’s safe to say this band is in no danger of that anytime soon.
.