The sounds of various regions of Pakistan and klezmer come together in the new project called Sandaraa. The debut album incorporates the impressive vocals of Pakistani singer-songwriter Zeb Bangash and Brooklyn-based virtuoso clarinetist Michael Winograd.
The two musicians first met at the Pakistani Embassy as part of a US tour. They reconnected at NYU in Abu Dhabi. Inspired by Dari, Pashto and Baluchi music, a new band was formed that recreated Pakistani folk music with new arrangements that incorporate klezmer elements.
“As a band we’re steeped in Western technique and theory,” says Winograd. “We have thought about the ideal show we’d like to present, about how folk songs can work when we play them as a group.”
The lineup on the upcoming Sandaraa album includes Zebunnisa Bangash on vocals; Michael Winograd on clarinet; Eylem Basaldi on violin; Patrick Farrell on accordion and Farfisa; Yoshie Fruchter on electric guitar and oud; Richie Barshay on drums and percussion; and David Lizmi on bass. Benjy Fox-Rosen appears as guest bassist on one track.
Sandaraa showcases the intensive and fascinating alchemy between two musicians from two very distant musical traditions.
Buy the digital version of Sandaraa.
Upcoming concerts:
05/14/2016, Washington, DC, Tropicalia, 8:00 PM
05/13/2016, Baltimore, MD, Creative Alliance, 8:00 PM
05/12/2016, Philadelphia, PA, Johnny Brenda’s, 8:00 PM
05/11/2016, New York, NY, Rockwood Music Hall, 7:00 PM
05/10/2016, Cambridge, MA, ONCE (Cuisine en Locale), 9:00 PM
05/09/2016, Northampton, MA, THE PARLOR ROOM, 7:00 PM
05/08/2016, Album Release, “Sandaraa”
05/08/2016, Hamden, CT, THE OUTER SPACE , 7:00 PM
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.
