Murshidi and Sufi Songs – Field recordings by Deben Bhattacharya (ARC Music EUCD2555, 2015)
Murshidi and Sufi Songs is a collection of 2001 field recordings made by Deben Bhattacharya featuring Murshidi artists from Bangladesh.
The Murshidi are spiritual masters. The name “Murshidi” stems from the Arabic ershad that means to order or give advice. The liner notes explain the history of the region and religious background of the artists featured in this album. The Murshidi are described as free-thinking Sufis.
Murshidi music is based on folk tradition with lyrics that feature esoteric poetry as well as nostalgic songs. The musical instruments used throughout the album include the ektara (also called gopijantra in Bengal), a one-stringed drone instrument; a pair of finger cymbals called kartal; the ar banshi bamboo flute; the bangla dhol, a two-headed barrel drum; behala (violin); and fiddle called sarinda.
Deben Bhattacharya was India’s equivalent to Alan Lomax. He was a respected international expert on folk music, song and dance and classical music in Europe and Asia. He produced educational and documentary films, records, booklets, and radio programs.
Deben Bhattacharya came from an established Bengali Brahmin family that settled in Benares decades ago. He recorded hundreds of reels of tape and countless photographs.
Murshidi and Sufi Songs – Field recordings by Deben Bhattacharya is a fascinating portrait of the songs and music of the Murshidi. The CD version comes with extensive liner notes containing English-language translations of the lyrics as well as details about Murshidi history and the musical instruments they play.
Track Listing and artists featured:
1. Amar Shonar Torir Ronger Badam
Mohammad Alam Dewan – lead vocals, violin
Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals
Anwar Dewan – backing vocals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
Dilwar – sarinda
Mohammad Bakul Bayati – ektara
2. Arey Bondhu Amarey je Rekhey Gelo
Radharaman – composer
Mohammad Alam Dewan – lead vocals
Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals
Anwar Dewan – backing vocals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
Dilwar – sarinda
Mohammad Bakul Bayati – ektara
3. Rongilarey Gaibo Amra Lomba Chuler Gan
Mohammad Bakul Bayati – vocals, ektara
Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals
Anwar Dewan – backing vocals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
Dilwar – sarinda
4. Orey Gurur Choron Korey Shoron
Mohammad Bakul Bayati – vocals, ektara
Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals
Anwar Dewan – backing vocals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
Dilwar – sarinda
5. Heila Korey Beila Geilo Boiya
Monmohan – composer
Dilwar – vocals, sarinda
Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
6. Shey Jey Akasheri Chander Moton
Halim – lyrics
Araz Ali – lead vocals, sarinda
Hemayet – cymbals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
Tumi Amaro Bhitorey
7. Halim – lyrics
Araz Ali – lead vocals, sarinda
Hemayet – cymbals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
8. O Nirdoy Bondhurey Amar Kotha Ki Tor Money Porey Na Na Na
Alam – lyrics
Anwar Dewan – lead vocals, violin
Hemayet – cymbals
Khairul Islam – ar banshi
Mubarak – bangla dhol
Buy Murshidi and Sufi Songs – Field recordings by Deben Bhattacharya
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
