- artist:Abdulrahman Surizehi
- featured artist:Kaseim Hamin, Es Haq Balochnasab, Ostaad Mohammad Bachal Baloch, Ostaad Moula Bakhsh Noori
- release year:2007
- style(s):Ethnic, Tradimodern
- formats:CD (Compact Disc)
- record posted by:Etnisk Musikklubb
- label:Etnisk Musikklubb
- publisher:Etnisk Musikklubb
This album is focusing on Abdulrahman Surizehi both as a performing artist on Benju and a composer and arranger of contemporary melodies. As the titles indicate, this album is a blend between contemporary songs and folk songs – about half of each. The Balochi music is related to the musical traditions of southern Afghanistan, western Pakistan and eastern Iran, and has its very distinctive scales and rhythms. In dialog with tradition, Surizehi creates vital and creative musical expressions and styles within the
Balochi musical traditions. This album is topped by to prominent singers; Kaseim Hamin and Es Haq Balochnasab, both excellent performers within this tradition. Abdulrahman Surizehi is considered among connoisseurs as the worlds leading performer on the Balochi instrument Benju.He reveals vitality, creativity and exhibits extensive knowledge of Balochi tradition, as well as an outstanding mastering
of comprehensive repertoires on the Benju. This he has picked up through innumerable meetings and recordings with several great masters both in Iran and Pakistan. The Benju is a dulcimer like instrument, which appeared in Balochistan in the
first part of last century, presumably by way of
Japan. In Balochistan it was developed and improved; the Balochi Benju is approximately one metre in length and is about twice the size of its closest relatives. The main string is double with accompanied strings on each side. Abdulrahman
benefited considerably through having a good teacher in his father, Joma Surizehi, who is considered central in improving theinstrument,as well as consolidating the Benju in Balochi tradition. Abdulrahman is resident in Oslo,and has in Norway been a contributor in several fusion-based music projects, but is progressively performing on the international arena. He is known to a world audience through participation atfestivals and concerts,and also for his brilliant contributions on Balochi recordings. He has built up considerable prestige and fame among connoisseurs of Balochi tradition both inside Balochistan and beyond.