Musafir

Rajasthani performing ensemble Musafir are one of the freshest groups coming out of India at the moment. Incorporating tribal folk, Qawaali, and classical influences into an authentic and varied musical pastiche, Hindu and Muslim musical traditions share center stage with regional folk music. The group's energy is remarkable -- seeing them live has been likened to experiencing a village fair, with dancers, group and solo singers, myriad percussion and droning harmonium providing an energetic yet ordered cacophony. Vocals ring out with austere force, swelling and retreating over pulsating, complex rhythms. By turns gentle and insistently passionate, Musafir's work can be absolutely rousing and, incidentally, beautiful.