Ensemble Al Kindi & Sheikh Habboush - Aleppian Sufi Trance

Sheikh Habboush/El-Kindi Ensemble/Julian Weis

Sheikh Ahmed HABBOUSH Shaykh Habbush inherited his mystical knowledge from his father who was also a Sufi shaykh. He was initiated in several mystical traditions, but the tariqa Qadiriyya and the tariqa Rifa‘iyya are the main sources of his mystical teachings and of the ritual structure of his dhikr. The Rifa‘i influence on shaykh Habboush can be seen on the presence in his zawiya of the iron skewers used in the performance of the darab al-shish. While he is entitled by his initiation in the Rifa‘iyya to perform the darab al-shish in his disciples, he usually prefers other forms of evaluation of their advance in the mystical path.

Sufi Trance Music by the master Sheikh Habboush from Aleppo Syria, and Esemble Al Kindi. London, Nov 2005.

Le Chant du Monde appears to have taken a leaf from the book of the Network label for this double set. There's a long-box package, extensive notes in French and English, and a luxurious, artistic set of photographs. And, thankfully, the music to match. This is an outing into the traditional Sufi trance music, part of which involves the dancers known colloquially as "whirling dervishes." It's fascinating stuff, although definitely for converts or the very curious, as two and a quarter hours of music would prove taxing for the only mildly inquisitive. The ensemble, featuring the hammered dulcimer called the qanun, the oud, ney, riqq, derviche, and voices, truly does create mesmerizing music, whether for the dance or in their instrumental taqsims, where the players truly get a chance to shine. But no one ever forgets that this is ritualistic, sacred music, made for a higher purpose. The sense of beauty and awe is continuous, and draws the listener inward and onward. Don't play this when you're trying to do something else; it needs full attention. This is a case where the music deserves the package -- and vice versa. ~

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Taqsim Nay Maqam Rast, Improvisation On Flute, Tahtirat 'Qef Wastame Dhikra Man Anwaruhu Lama'at', Prayers, 'Listen To The Momory Of One Whose Lights Twinkled'
2. Bashraf Rast 28/4, Rythme Dawr Kabir, Ancient Instumental Prelude, Muwashshah: 'God's Messenger. O! You Who' Muwashshah: 'We Have To Start Working'
3. Sama I Maqam Rast, Instrumental Prelude, Musashshah: Measured Classical Song, 'Time Gave Me What I Wished'
4. Djoubi, Ostinato In Irakian Rythm With Taqassim And Qacida Mawzouna
5. Qacida Falet, Maqam Rast, Free Vocal Improvisation On A Classical Poem: 'I Ask Mercy For'
6. Ughniya, Popular Chants: 'People Likes You...', 'Muhammad, Light Of All', 'Muhammad'
7. Taqsim Nat Et Samai Houzam, Flute Solo And Instrumental Prelude
8. Qacida Falt, Improvised Poem
9. Fasl Aj Jalale, Muwashshahat Suite On Ascending Ostinato: 'If She Had Appeared To Me', 'Prayers On The Shaded'
10. Tarqiyat Madad, Recitation Of Soufi Saints, Muwashshah: When He Quenched My Thirst', 'My Brother', 'Be Generous, You Merciful', 'Separation', 'Me Dearest'
11. Qacida Mawzun, Improvised And Measured Classical Poem Maqam Bayati Re

Disc: 2
1. Taqsim 'Ud Maqam Bayati, Luth Improvisation
2. Qacida Falet Maqam Bayati, Vocal Improvisation On A Classical Poem
3. Fasl Maqsoum, Muwashshah Suite On Ascending Ostinato: 'Qui'il Soit Loue', 'Nostalgia', 'Our Lord', 'When I Approach', 'To Me', 'Splendor', 'Between Naqa And...', 'From Mekka', 'Extreme Beauty', 'My Friend I Lost Patience', 'My God A Sight'
4. Taqassim Qanoun Et 'Oud, Zyther And Luth Duo
5. Qacida Sheikh Habboush, Maqam Rast Re, Vocal Improvisation On Classical Poem
6. Fasl As Sawi, Muwashshah Suite On An Ascending Ostinato With Percussion: Daff, Drum, Cymbals, Riqq, Brotherhood Tabl. Taqassim Mazouna Nay, 'Oud Et Qanoun, Madadiyat Sheikh Habboush. Qacida Mawzouna. Maqam Rast Do, Improvisation On Classical Poem...
7. Fasl Khammar, Vocal Suite With Percussion: Taqassim Nay Et Qanoun, Qacida Sab'awi 'Maqam Nahawand Re, Maqam Hijaz - La'
8. Muwashshah: 'I'm Astonished', 'Canary's Song', 'You Who Sees And Is Not Seen'
9. Fasl Bahlul, Vocal Suite With Percussion: Taqassim 'Oud, Qanoun, Nay Et Qacida Mawzouna Sheikh Habboush Maqam Bayat - La
10. Muwashshah: 'My Heart, Trust In Allah', 'A Long Time Ago', 'Before Greatness'
11. Ritual Final Prayer Of Dervish Hamami

MP3 VBR including Covers

Part One
Part Two