Sand and Foam- Music Inspired by Kahlil Gibran Album by Amaan Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan, and Kabir Sehgal: Review
Today, I intend to bless your ears with a creation, inspired by the illustrious works of Kahlil Gibran and recorded by the trio Grammy winners Kabir Sehgal, and an incredible duo of sarodists Ayaan Ali Bangash and Amaan Ali Bangash. The three musicians creates this unique, magical album by fusing jazz, trap, electro, and rap with traditional Indian instruments and voices – an unexpected soiree of Eastern and Western musical traditions. It makes me think that it’s an incredible attempt at bridging the differences of culture and musical traditions.
In “The Wanderer,” jazz clarinet and saxophone licks accompany the sarods. The quick paces of “Fable of the Forerunner” is an understated piece with trip-hop at its forefront, much like the lightheaded track “Spirits Rebellious”. In “Prophets of Prose,” Claudia Acuna’s voice is layered with Caliph’s spoken word over prominent electronic beats. Both “Mirrors of the Soul” and “Jaipur Festival” use traditional Indian harmony, the former featuring the lovely vocalist Malini Awasthi, centered on the freedom of rhythms of jazz and hip-hop. Mystical voices of Sudha Raghunathan and classical instrumentation give “A Tear and a Smile” its otherworldly vibe. Bringing the record to a close, it’s a reflective work of electro-fusion and tender finale. This album, much like the writings of the Lebanese-American writer that inspired it, deeply explores on the link between the two parts of the world, revealing how their interplay may awaken a shared bond of humanity. From the words of Amaan, the Bhangash brothers and Sehgal intend to “Heal this divided world” with their magical creations.
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Review by: Audrey Castel
