As we all know, the ex-Afghan regime was not exactly fond of music. Nevertheless there was and is music, reflecting the variety of ethnic groups, covering all kinds of emotions and events. The Kaboul Ensemble's repertoire, led by the voice of the Afghan diva in exile, Ustad Mahwash, includes love songs, songs of celebration, wedding songs and brilliant instrumental pieces too. As if putting together some geo-ethnic jigsaw, the ensemble has drawn on the Mazar-i Sharif region in the north for ethereal melodies and songs inspired by the Tajik bards, performs subtle instrumental compositions that originate from Herat, near the Iranian border, ecstatic celebratory pieces from Jalalabad and Logar in the south, and, last but not least, gives voice to popular melodies from Kabul itself. A stunning breadth of repertoire - the Taliban couldn't have been more wrong.

Ustad Mahwash vocals / Khaled Arman rubab (lute) / Hussain Arman vocals, harmonium / Paul Grant santur (lute) / Osman Arman flute / Yusuf Mahmoud tablas

Contact:
Accords Croisés
Label: Kaboul Ensemble: ARION