Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Assorted Collection of Nusrat's Work




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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (October 13, 1948 - August 16, 1997) was primarily a singer of Qawwali, the devotional music of the Sufis, a mystical offshoot of Islam. Traditionally, Qawwali has been a family business. Nusrat’s family (originally from Afghanistan, though been living all their life in Pakistan) has an unbroken tradition of performing qawwali for the last 600 years.

Nusrat took over his family’s qawwali party in 1971 after the death of his father and his uncle. In Pakistan, his first major hit was the song “Haq Ali Ali”. This was performed in a traditional style and with traditional instrumentation, and featured only sparse use of Nusrat’s innovative sargam improvisations. Nevertheless the song became a major hit, as many listeners were attracted to the timbre and other qualities of Nusrat’s voice.

He reached out to Western audiences with a couple of fusion records produced by Canadian guitarist Michael Brook. In 1995, he collaborated with Eddie Vedder on the soundtrack to Dead Man Walking. His contribution to that and several other soundtracks and albums (including The Last Temptation of Christ), as well as his friendship with Peter Gabriel, helped to increase his popularity in Europe and the United States. Peter Gabriel’s Real World label released five albums of Nusrat’s traditional Qawwali performances in the West. He also performed traditional Qawwali live to Western audiences at several WOMAD world music festivals.

Nusrat was noted for introducing other forms of improvisation into the style. From his classical music training, he would interject much more complex alap improvisations, with more vibrato and note bending (listen here). He would also interject sargam improvisations.

While it is undoubtedly difficult to put into words what makes Nusrat’s music appeal so deeply to so many listeners, many of whom do not understand a single word of the languages he sings in, here is one fan’s attempt to explain: “Nusrat’s music invites us to eavesdrop on a man communing with his God, ever so eloquently. He makes the act of singing a passionate offering to God. But we do not merely eavesdrop. The deepest part of Nusrat’s magic lies in the fact that he is able to bring our hearts to resonate with the music, so deeply, that we ourselves become full partners in that offering. He sings to God, and by listening, we also sing to God.”

“Singing with Nusrat was pretty heavy,” says Eddie Vedder. “There was definitely a spiritual element. I saw him warm up once, and I walked out of the room and just broke down. I mean, God, what amazing power and energy.”

The late American rock singer Jeff Buckley paid tribute to Nusrat on the album “Live at Sin-é (Legacy Edition).” In his introduction, he states, “Nusrat, he’s my Elvis,” before performing the song “Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor Hai”. This recording generated interest in Nusrat among an audience that was previously unaware of his music.

In 2005, a tribute band called Brook’s Qawwali Party was formed in New York City by percussionist Brook Martinez to perform the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The 11+ piece group performs (mostly instrumental) jazz versions of Nusrat’s traditional qawwali songs, using the instruments conventionally associated with jazz (saxophones, brass, electric guitar, double bass, djembe, drum set, and percussion) rather than those associated with qawwali.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

MJ Albums : Off The Wall

Michaels first solo album as an adult artist.

He wanted this album to be the best it could be. He needed someone with great experience and had met Quincey Jones on the set on the movie "The Wiz" and Quincey produced the album.

Michael wanted the sound of the album to be different from that of the Jacksons who had just had there biggest album success with "Destiny".

Michael wanted songs that were good for him to sing and that he could move to. In came Rod Temperton who penned "Rock With You" a big hit, "Burn This Disco Out" and the title track.

During the sessions Quincey approached Michael with "Girlfriend" saying how well suited that song would be for him. Little did he know Paul had written the song for Michael a couple of years previous and even sung it to Michael at a party.

"Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" was the first song Michael had written himself as a whole and became US No1 hit single. "She's Out of My Life" a heart wrenching ballard.

Tracklisting:

1. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
2. Rock with You
3. Working Day and Night
4. Get on the Floor
5. Off the Wall
6. Girlfriend" (McCartney)
7. She's out of My Life" (Tom Bahler)
8. I Can't Help It
9. It's the Falling in Love
10. Burn This Disco Out

MJ Albums : Thriller

Ever since Michael was a young boy he had dreamed of recording the biggest selling album of all time.

Released in 1982 that album was "Thriller". Again Michael worked with Quincey Jones as producer and Rod Temperton writing some of the songs including the title track.

The aim was for every song to stand on its own as a single.Quincey had kept telling Michael they needed a great rock song on the album, Michael had "Beat It" but Michael wasn't confident enough in his own song writing at this stage in his career and held onto the song, but eventually he played it to Quincy who loved it. Michael was trying to get the message across of not turning to violence and avoid the trouble.

Michael again collaborated with Paul McCartney and they came up with "Say Say Say" which Paul had on his album and Michael had "The Girl Is Mine" both hit singles. The massive hit "Billie Jean" a song penned based on experiences Michael and his brothers had from girl fans was a massive worldwide hit Billie Jean.

Sisters Janet and LaToya featured on back up vocals on "Pretty Young Thing" The album was also boosted with groundbreaking videos that helped album sales soar.
The album has sold over 50 million copies.

Tracklings

1.Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" (Jackson)
2.Baby Be Mine" (Temperton)
3. The Girl Is Mine" (with Paul McCartney) (Jackson)
4. Thriller" (Temperton)
5. Beat It" (Jackson)
6. Billie Jean" (Jackson)
7. Human Nature" (Bettis/Porcaro)
8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" (Ingram/Jones)
9 The Lady In My Life" (Temperton)

MJ Albums : BAD

Released in 1987 Michael devoted two and a half years to recording the follow up up to Thriller.

Michael again worked with Quincy Jones, and they both set out to make the most perfect album humanly possible.

Michael wrote all but 2 of the songs on the album, "Man In the Mirror" a great self message song co-written by Siedah Garrett who co sings on the love song "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" and "Just Good Friends" the duet with Stevie Wonder were the only other tracks not written by Michael.

On the Cd, new technolgy allowed space for an extra track "Leave Me Alone" a simple message and along with the video gets the message across of him wanting some privacy and trying to dispell some of the ludicrious stories constantly surrounding the now global superstar.


The album has sold over 25 million copies.

Tracklisting:

1. Bad
2. The Way You Make Me Feel
3. Speed Demon
4. Liberian Girl
5. Just Good Friends (Duet with Stevie Wonder)
6. Another Part of Me
7. Man in the Mirror
8. I Just Can't Stop Loving You
9. Dirty Diana" (Jackson)
10. Smooth Criminal" (Jackson)

Extra track on the CD
11. Leave Me Alone" (Jackson)

MJ Albums : Dangerous

DANGEROUS

The Dangerous album was released on November 26, 1991, and became the fastest selling number one album, breaking the records by entering the charts at #1 only 3 days after it's release! It was also the first album released by Sony music that had a Thursday release date, rather than the traditional Monday release.

This was the first solo album by Michael Jackson that was not produced by Quincy Jones.



The 'Dangerous' album produced 9 singles from it's 14 tracks; "Black Or White", "Remember The Time", "Jam", "In The Closet", "Heal The World", "Who Is It", "Will You Be There", and "Gone Too Soon". The "Black Or White" single made a 32-spot jump on the Pop singles charts, breaking the Beatles' record set by their song "Let It Be" in 1970.

The album has sold over 21 million copies worldwide to date.



Guest appearances on this album were made by rapper L.T.B, Princess Stephanie of Monacco (credited as the "Mystery Girl"), and Slash.

The track listing of the Dangerous album is as follows:

  1. Jam (written by Michael Jackson)
  2. Why You Wanna Trip On Me (written by Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
  3. In The Closet (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
  4. She Drives Me Wild (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
  5. Remember The Time (written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
  6. Can't Let Her Get Away (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
  7. Heal The World (written by Michael Jackson)
  8. Black Or White (written by Michael Jackson & Bill Bottrell)
  9. Who Is It (written by Michael Jackson)
  10. Give In To Me (written by Michael Jackson & Bill Bottrell)
  11. Will You Be There (written by Michael Jackson)
  12. Keep The Faith (written by Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett, & Michael Jackson)
  13. Gone Too Soon (written by Larry Grossman & Buz Kohan)
  14. Dangerous (written by Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell & Teddy Riley)

MJ Albums : History

HISTORY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE BOOK I

The HIStory album was released on June 20, 1995, and was Michael's first solo album to contain a greatest hits package along with new tracks!

In total the two-disc album contains 30 songs adding up to over 150 minutes of music! Special editions of the HIStory album were released in Canada, Germany, Holland, and France in which Michael spoke directly to his fans of these countries thanking them for their support over the years and promising to tour their countries soon.

The first disc "HIStory Begins" of this album contains 15 of Michael's number one hits - songs that made him the 'King' of the entertainment industry.

The second disc "HIStory Continues" of this album contained 15 brand new songs, 12 of which were composed and written by Michael himself. The second disc of the 'History' album also credited Michael for the first time with playing the keyboards, Synthesizer, drums and percussion, and guitar.

Special appearances on the album were made by Janet Jackson, Shaquille O'Neal, the late Notorius B.I.G, Boyz II Men, and Slash.

The album was controvercial, with many angry songs - Michael's reply to the press and allegations that had been plaguing his life and career over the previous few years, as well as had a softer edge with ballads such as "You Are Not Alone", "Earth Song", "Stranger In Moscow" and "Smile". Shortly after it's release the 'HIStory' album was pulled from the shelves due to the the controvercial lyrics in the song "They Don't Care About Us", and new copies of the album were released with a formal apology written by Michael to those who may be offended by the lyrics.

5 singles were released off of this album; "Scream", "Earth Song", "You Are Not Alone", "Stranger In Moscow", and "They Don't Care About Us". The album hit #1 in 19 countries around the world, with world wide sales of over 15 million. The "You Are Not Alone" single broke a world record when it became the first-ever single to debut at #1 on the Billboard music charts.

The track listing of 'HIStory' is as follows:

DISC ONE:

  1. Billie Jean (written by Michael Jackson)
  2. The Way You Make Me Feel (written by Michael Jackson)
  3. Black Or White (written by Michael Jackson)
  4. Rock With You (written by Rod Temperton)
  5. She's Out Of My Life (written by Tom Bahler)
  6. Bad (written by Michael Jackson)
  7. I Just Can't Stop Loving You (written by Michael Jackson)
  8. Man In The Mirror (written by Siedah Garrett & Glen Ballard)
  9. Thriller (written by Rod Temperton)
  10. Beat It (written by Michael Jackson)
  11. The Girl Is Mine (written by Michael Jackson)
  12. Remember The Time (written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
  13. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (written by Michael Jackson)
  14. Wanna Be Startin' Somthin' (written by Michael Jackson)
  15. Heal The World (written by Michael Jackson)

DISC TWO
  1. Scream (Duet with Janet Jackson) (written by Michael and Janet Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
  2. They Don't Care About Us (written by Michael Jackson)
  3. Stranger In Moscow (written by Michael Jackson)
  4. This Time Around (written by Michael Jackson)
  5. Earth Song (written by Michael Jackson)
  6. D.S (written by Michael Jackson)
  7. Money (written by Michael Jackson)
  8. Come Together (written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
  9. You Are Not Alone (written by R. Kelly)
  10. Childhood (Theme from Free Willy 2) (written by Michael Jackson)
  11. Tabloid Junkie (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
  12. 2 Bad (written by Michael Jackson)
  13. HIStory (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
  14. Little Susie (written by Michael Jackson)
  15. Smile (written by John Turner & Geoffrey Parsons)

MJ Albums : Blood On the Dance Floor

BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR

This 13 track album was released in May, 1997 and contained 5 new songs in addition to 8 remixed tracks from the HIStory album.

Due to the fact that Michael was touring at the time of recording the album, many of the tracks were recorded and mixed in countries around the globe such as Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

The album was originally planned to be a promotional tool for the European leg of the HIStory tour, and for this reason was not widely publisized in most of the world. The album ended up being widely successful around the globe, despite the low promotions, with the album and/or the title single reaching #1 in over 10 countries.

There were two singles released for this album. The first one 'Blood On The Dance Floor' was released around the world, and the second single 'History/Ghosts' was released in Europe and Australia.

To date the Blood On The Dance Floor album has sold 4 million copies world wide.

The track listing of 'Blood On The Dance Floor' is as follows:

  1. Blood On The Dance Floor (written by Michael Jackson)
  2. Morphine (written by Michael Jackson)
  3. Superfly Sister (written by Michael Jackson)
  4. Ghosts (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
  5. Is It Scary (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris & Terry Lewis)
  6. Scream Louder - Flyte Time Remix (written by Michael and Janet Jackson, James Harris & Terry Lewis)
  7. Money - Fire Island Radio Edit (written by Michael Jackson)
  8. 2 Bad - Refugee Camp Mix (written by Michael Jackson)
  9. Stranger In Moscow - Tee's In-House Club Mix (written by Michael Jackson)
  10. This Time Around - D.M Radio Mix (written by Michael Jackson)
  11. Earth Song - Hani's Club Experience (written by Michael Jackson)
  12. You Are Not Alone - Classic Club Mix (written by R. Kelly)
  13. History - Tony Moran's History Lesson (written by Michael Jackson)

MJ Album : Invincible

INVINCIBLE On October 29, 2001 (October 30th in North America) Michael Jackson's latest album was released! Titled, "Invincible", the 16-track album has been said to be Michael's best work since 'Thriller', and was expected to revolutionize the music industry as we know it today....

The album was released on CD, and vinyl and released with 5 different covers. Album covers were printed in white/silver, blue, green, red and orange, to make collecting the CDs "more fun" for fans!

However, after the first single "You Rock My World" was released it became clear that Sony Music were nt interested in promoting the album. Only 1 more single "Cry" written by R. Kelly was released and that was without a proper music video.


Track Listing


1. Unbreakable
2. Heartbreaker
3. Invincible
4. Break Of Dawn
5. Heaven Can Wait
6. You Rock My World
7. Butterflies
8. Speechless
9. 2000 Watts
10. You Are My Life
11. Privacy
12. Don't Walk Away
13. Cry
14. The Lost Children
15. Whatever Happens
16. Threatened

Michael Jackson

Born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson

Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine,Tito,Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as there talents grew and they could compete in bigger competitions. From these early days Michael would be at the same clubs as big talented stars of there days, such as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even back then. In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson 5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo albums with Motown.

The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit recordsand in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984.

In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score for the film.

Michael teamed up with Quincey Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US.

In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide. Michael was keen to use music video or short films as he called them to promote his singles from the album. He worked with the best directors and producers, using the latest technology and special effects.for the hit song 'Billie Jean' The short film 'Thriller' used the latest make-up artists technolgy combined with fantastic dancing and cherography, to produce a 14 minute video, with a start, a middle and an ending. So successful was this video that 'The Making Of Michael Jackson's Thriller' became the world's largest selling home video combined with soaring album sales. In 1983 Michael performed the now legendary moonwalk for the first time on the 'Motown 25 years' anniversary show. This performance alone set Michael undoubtable into the realm of a superstar.

In 1984 Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy awards in one night. The awards were for his work on the 'Thriller' album and his work on the narrative for the 'ET Storybook'.

On December 9th 1984 at the last concert of the Jackson's Victory Tour, Michael announced he was splitting from the group and going solo.

In 1987 Michael released his much awaited third solo album, titled 'Bad', and lauched his record breaking first solo world tour. 1988, Michael wrote his first autobiography talking for the first time on his childhood and his career. At the end of the 1980s Michael was named 'Artist Of The Decade' for his success off of his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums.

In 1991 Michael signed with Sony Music the largest ever recording contract and released his fourth solo album, 'Dangerous'. He toured world again in 1992, taking his concerts to countries that had never before been visited by a pop/rock artist. Also Michael founded the 'Heal the World Foundation' to help improve the lives of children across the world.

In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. The marriage only lasted for 19 months, as they divorced in 1996.

1995 saw Michael release a fifth solo album, 'HIStory', which was a double album, first half new material and second half half greatest hits. Michael toured again over a legs covering a 2 year period. In between legs of the tour on November 14th 1996, Michael married for his second time to Debbie Rowe who was a nurse that Michael had met in the treatment of his skin pigment disorder. Together they had their first child Prince Michael Joseph Jackson jr born on February 13 1997 and a daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson born on April 3rd 1998. In 1997 Michael released the remix album 'Blood On The Dance Floor' which also contained 5 new song linked with a 38min film "Ghosts". This film Michael played 5 roles using the latest special effects and make-up artistry, combined with his dance and music.


In September, 2001 Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney Houston, Usher, Destinys Child, Shaggy and many more performed there own and Michael Jacksons past songs. Michael then reunited with all of his brothers performed there biggest hits. Michael then went onto perform solo some of his biggest hits. In October 2001 Michael released the album 'Invincible' so far releasing only 2 singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Since the release of this first single the album has been surrounded by rumours of a rift with Sony Music and a clear lack of promotion of the album.

He was to come back this 10th July... but that wud never come...

We'll miss u MJ.

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