" The sophomore album by this dynamic trio entitled Nine Heavens, reveals a much more complex body of work featuring nine intricately carved original arrangements and compositions of traditional folk songs and mystical Sufi poems from Iran, the Indian sub-continent and Turkey. With a strong emphasis on composition, Niyaz centers on the deep interconnectedness between the music of Iran, India and Turkey, and delves further into the traditional melodies of these regions with outstanding performances by its core members as well as guest musicians of the highest caliber from these three traditions. The lyrical framework for Nine Heavens once again features beautiful Persian and Urdu mystical poems by some of the greatest Sufi poets, two original interpretations of traditional folk songs from Khorassan, Iran, and one soulful folk song from Maras, Turkey. For the Iranian portion of the album, Niyaz shift their focus from the beloved Sufi poet Rumi, onto another great Iranian 13th century mystic/poet/musician, Amir Khosrau Dehlavi who was born and raised in India and went on to become an iconic figure in the cultural history of the Indian sub-continent where he is revered to this day by thousands. For Niyaz, Dehlavi’s work embodies the very spirit of their music, which focuses on the timeless exchange between these two cultures. For the Urdu portion of the album, Niyaz features Ghazals and Rubaiyats by renowned 18th century Sufi poets Khwaja Mir Dard and Hali..."
Niyaz-Minara
Niyaz-Beni Beni
Niyaz-The Hunt (Live @ The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, CA)
Niyaz-Sadrang (Live @ The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, CA)
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