Pakistan Is for the Peaceful

Ustad Saami is the last of the living singers capable of performing the ancient 49-note microtonal scales of the Sur tradition. Sur predates qawwali - the tradition of performing Sufi poetry to music. In general, singing in the Sur tradition is considered controversial in Islamic society because it emerged before Muhammad. Despite threats from Islamic fundamentalists, the master practiced the disappearing art his whole life, passed down through generations since the 13th century. The Quietus notes, "when Ustad Saami dies, these 49 notes will die with him." Pakistan Is for the Peaceful is his second album, consisting of three compositions. The recording took place in Karachi during a live set on the master's rooftop with musical accompaniment from his four sons. The recording was produced by John Brennan, known for his work with Tinariwen.

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