Ghazal

Biography

World music fusionists Ghazal comprises Kayhan Kalhor (Tehran, Iran; kamancheh or spike fiddle) and Shujaat Khan (b. India; sitar/vocals). They first collaborated in 1996, and a recording contract soon followed with world music specialists Shanachie Records. Their three albums in the late 90s blended traditional and classical influences, with all including contributions from Shri Swapan Chaudhuri (tabla). The group, who have successfully toured America, prefer to extemporise rather than stick to preconceived musical patterns ? their natural spontaneity is evidenced by the fact that their most commercially visible album, Moon Rise Over The Silk Road, was recorded in just two days. The group’s reflective, pastoral sound found a ready audience in America for its ‘relaxing’ qualities ? although it would be foolish to deny the complexity of performances that underpin Ghazal’s work. Both Kalhor and Khan are now based in America, although on opposite...

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