- artist:Abdulrahman Surizehi
- featured artist:Ostad Mohammad Bachal L. Baloch
- release year:2007
- country:Norway
- formats:CD (Compact Disc)
- record posted by:Etnisk Musikklubb
- label:Etnisk Musikklubb
- publisher:Etnisk Musikklubb
Abdulrahman Surizehi is considered
among connoisseurs as the worlds leading
performer on the Baluchi instrument Benju.
He reveals a vitality, creativity and exhibits
extensive knowledge of Baluchi 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
Baluchistan in the first part of last century,
presumably by way of Japan. In Baluchistan it
was developed and improved; the Baluchi 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, Jom’e
Surizhei, who is considered central in improving
the instrument, as well as consolidating the Benju
in Baluchi 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 at festivals and concerts, and also
for his brilliant contributions on two Baluchi
recordings with the well-reputed French label
Ocora. He has built up considerable prestige and
fame among connoisseurs of Baluchi tradition
both inside Baluchistan and beyond. In addition
to Benju, Abdulrahman plays the doubled-headed
drum Doholak, Tanburag, Tabla and Sarod.