Various Artists

Murshidi and Sufi Songs – Field recordings by Deben Bhattacharya (ARC Music EUCD2555, 2015)

Murshidi and Sufi Songs is a collection of 2001 field recordings made by Deben Bhattacharya featuring Murshidi artists from Bangladesh.

The Murshidi are spiritual masters. The name “Murshidi” stems from the Arabic ershad that means to order or give advice. The liner notes explain the history of the region and religious background of the artists featured in this album. The Murshidi are described as free-thinking Sufis.

Murshidi music is based on folk tradition with lyrics that feature esoteric poetry as well as nostalgic songs. The musical instruments used throughout the album include the ektara (also called gopijantra in Bengal), a one-stringed drone instrument; a pair of finger cymbals called kartal; the ar banshi bamboo flute; the bangla dhol, a two-headed barrel drum; behala (violin); and fiddle called sarinda.

Deben Bhattacharya was India’s equivalent to Alan Lomax. He was a respected international expert on folk music, song and dance and classical music in Europe and Asia. He produced educational and documentary films, records, booklets, and radio programs.

Deben Bhattacharya came from an established Bengali Brahmin family that settled in Benares decades ago. He recorded hundreds of reels of tape and countless photographs.

Murshidi and Sufi Songs – Field recordings by Deben Bhattacharya is a fascinating portrait of the songs and music of the Murshidi. The CD version comes with extensive liner notes containing English-language translations of the lyrics as well as details about Murshidi history and the musical instruments they play.

Track Listing and artists featured:

1. Amar Shonar Torir Ronger Badam

Mohammad Alam Dewan – lead vocals, violin

Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals

Anwar Dewan – backing vocals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

Dilwar – sarinda

Mohammad Bakul Bayati – ektara

2. Arey Bondhu Amarey je Rekhey Gelo

Radharaman – composer

Mohammad Alam Dewan – lead vocals

Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals

Anwar Dewan – backing vocals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

Dilwar – sarinda

Mohammad Bakul Bayati – ektara

3. Rongilarey Gaibo Amra Lomba Chuler Gan

Mohammad Bakul Bayati – vocals, ektara

Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals

Anwar Dewan – backing vocals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

Dilwar – sarinda

4. Orey Gurur Choron Korey Shoron

Mohammad Bakul Bayati – vocals, ektara

Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals

Anwar Dewan – backing vocals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

Dilwar – sarinda

5. Heila Korey Beila Geilo Boiya

Monmohan – composer

Dilwar – vocals, sarinda

Hemayet – backing vocals, cymbals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

6. Shey Jey Akasheri Chander Moton

Halim – lyrics

Araz Ali – lead vocals, sarinda

Hemayet – cymbals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

Tumi Amaro Bhitorey

7. Halim – lyrics

Araz Ali – lead vocals, sarinda

Hemayet – cymbals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

8. O Nirdoy Bondhurey Amar Kotha Ki Tor Money Porey Na Na Na

Alam – lyrics

Anwar Dewan – lead vocals, violin

Hemayet – cymbals

Khairul Islam – ar banshi

Mubarak – bangla dhol

Buy Murshidi and Sufi Songs – Field recordings by Deben Bhattacharya