Brooklyn Qawwali Party — In their Own Words (Extended Biography) Part 2

Brooklyn Qawwali Party

Paying tribute to one of the world’s greatest vocalists, Brooklyn Qawwali Party formed to honor the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, reworking his thunderous songs for an eclectic, eleven-piece orchestra comprised of groundbreaking jazz musicians. Funky, smart, and loving, BQP captures the joyful spirit of this Pakistani folk music in a unique instrumental blend of jazz and Qawwali. With five horns, guitar, bass, harmonium, and three percussionists, this band’s buoyant rhythm will be sure to get you on your feet and clapping.

The ensemble includes:
Tony Barba – tenor saxophone
Loren Stillman – alto saxophone
Ben Holmes – trumpet
Ryan Keberle – trombone
Brian Drye – trombone
Robert Jost – French Horn
Noah Jarrett – acoustic bass
Mike Gamble – electric guitar
Kris Davis – harmonium
Conor Elmes – percussion
Brook Martinez – drums

Click Here To Listen BPQ best

The Extended Biography

A singer does not acquire the nickname “The Voice From Heaven” for no good reason. And anyone that has ever heard Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan knows this moniker to be fitting. Yet Nusrat was more than a singer; he was an ambassador of Sufi/Islamic culture and art, as well as the modern seed of a seven-hundred-year-old lineage of qawwali singers. In his all-too-brief life, he transformed the folk music of Pakistan into something ready for – some would say craved by – global audiences

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Brooklyn Qawwali Party – Most Creative Tributes to NFAK Part 1

The Brooklyn Qawwali Party – Best Tribute NFAK Ever

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is more than just a great musician and sufi singer for percussionist Brook Martinez. He is the spirit that binds the 11 members of his all Caucasian band, the Brooklyn Qawwali Party, founded in 2003, which performs jazz to Nusrat’s music.

Growing up with hip-hop, sufi music did not feature in Martinez’s teenage world. Then, one evening, he saw Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on a VH1 Awards ceremony. “I heard Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for the first time then and my first reaction was ‘who is this large Pakistani guy’? That performance completely bowled me over.”

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A Voice From Heaven – A Film by Giuseppe Asaro , A Must Watch

Official Poster – “A Voice from Heaven”

Released On the first day of 21st century, A Voice From Heaven (2001) is probably the best documentary  ever made in the beloved memory of legendary Sufi qawwali singer, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Live At Barbican Centre London 1993 Full Concert DVD

Barbican Centre, London

Those who attended this Concert at Barbican, London 19 years back still argue that is was Nusrat’s best.

I personally remember this recording because of the awesome Audio that actually produces a Concert Effect right in your Bedroom….. This concert was also the first live performance of “Dosto Ki Shaikayat karu mai” and a very different “Allah Hoo” & ” Akhiyan Udeek Diya” . The end piece ” Mast Kalandar ” simply leaves you pleading for more…

So sit back, Relax & dont forget to switch off the lights to get complete concert effect..

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