Qawwali: Mystical Sufi Gospel

by: Jennifer Richardson on

Here's a little gem of an article and clip of the great Qawwali singer Abida that I found on KCRW RHTHM PLANET.  Plus a little video of the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Live: Allah Hoo

Abida Parveen is the most famous female qawwali vocalist, adored by fans all over the world. I heard her once in Orange County years ago. She has a big voice, perfect pitch, and a powerful, ecstatic delivery.  She will occasionally visit the U.S., but you will likely not know about it unless you read the local Pakistani newspapers.

In a 2013 article in the UK paper The Guardian, Parveen said, “My culture–our culture–is rich in spirituality and love. Sufism is not a switch, the music isn’t a show–it’s of life, it is religion. If I want to recognized for anything, if we should be recognized for anything, it’s the journey of the voice. And that voice is God’s.” Qawwali, like gospel music in the U.S., is a communal experience, a joy meant to be shared.

I did not include another famous qawwali group, the Sabri Brothers, because their tracks are super long. Sadly, I recently wrote a post about one of their founding members who was murdered by an Islamic extremist. Sufi gospel is a way of getting closer to the divine, both for listeners and performers.  Dictatorships and Islamist hardliners don’t like music, don’t trust it either. We’ve seen that in the Soviet Union, Chile, Argentina, Iran, and other places.

For those who don’t know about this powerful and ecstatic music, let it be a reminder that its message of peace and harmony is an antidote to the turmoil in Pakistan that we hear in the news.

Credit to @TomSchnabel

Rehearsing for Heaven! 23rd January with Tony Backhouse

by: Jennifer Richardson on

An afternoon workshop with Tony Backhouse coming up! 

If you are in the vicinity of Northern NSW in January here's a little beauty for you! 

Date: 23rd January, 2016

Time: 1-4pm

Where: Byron Region Community Centre, Mullumbimby

Cost: $30 (Tickets at the door)

Contact: apearl@mullum.com.au

 

Eric Dozier teaching delivery techniques

by: Jennifer Richardson on

This is a little clip from our rehearsals during Singing in Siena, 2015 week.

Watch those crouching lions getting ready to pounce with great delivery.

Singing and Sailing along the Dalmation Coast

by: Jennifer Richardson on

The intrepid traveler goes in search of new adventures to offer my fellow singers as well as cooks.. and I was pleasantly surprised to find some gorgeous a cappella music here.

Check out these local a cappella groups from the Dalmation Coast.

 

I think there will be a Singing and Sailing trip coming up soon with one of our hero choir directors and some local celebrity involvement .. you can tell me what you think of this idea too >>

Choir directors wanted for Ubud, Bali and Queenscliff Vic, Australia

by: Jennifer Richardson on

The Tides of Welcome Community Choir are seeking a music professional for the position of Director.
 
Experience in music performance and choir direction highly preferred.
 
Rehearsals are held in Queenscliff (VIC) on a week night during school terms.
 
To obtain a Position Description contact Carolyn Williams, +613 5258 3367 or
 
qnhouse@fastmail.fm

Applications addressing the selection criteria close July 31st 2014.

______________

 

OR. Are you a choir director that fancies a one month or longer stay in Bali?

There are people lining up to have a regular choir in Ubud, Bali

Contact us for information

Shosoloza

by: Jennifer Richardson on

Lyrics to the wonderful South African song 

Shosholoza

uKle ... Zontaba
Stimela siphume South Africa


Wen'uyabaleka
Wen'uyabaleka
Kule ... Zontaba
Stimela siphume South Africa


Shosholoza
Kule ... Zontaba
Stimela siphume South Africa


Wen'uyabaleka
Wen'uyabaleka
Kule ... Zontaba
Stimela siphume South Africa