presents
Emam & Friends

Instruments of Devotion
1995



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A collection of instrumental interpretations of devotional music from India (Kirtan), performed in a light Indian classical/World Fusion style, produced at the end of my stay in India on an AIIS grant.
The album was recorded live in a studio in Delhi (April/93) direct to digital, with no overdubs. On this album, an ensemble of classically trained musicians improvise on kirtan melodies in a light classical style.

Zoltán Lantos
violin
Matlub Hussain Khan
sitar
Sami Khan
sarod
Naushad Ahmed
tabla
Emam
dumbak
Ravi Rohtgi
dholak

"Soothing blend of traditions."
PixelPioneer (EthnoCloud) - Mar 1, 2024


"This ensemble will delight you with their unique instrumental presentation of vocal music. Absolutely refreshing and joyful!"
India Currents - Dec/1995

Click one the song names to listen.
1) Oh Mata
A song dedicated to the Divine Mother

2) Raghunandan
This one is dedicated to Lord Ram and his consort Sita.

3) Hanuman Chalisa
This one is dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman who is also supposed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.

4) Amba Amba
Another song dedicated to the Divine Mother.

5) Arti
Arti (Arati) is a ritual performed at all Hindu temples, twice a day (sunrise and sunset). This is a traditional melody used by almost everyone who performs the ritual, however each temple uses their own lyrics to dedicate it to the deity they worship.

6) Siddhasanasin
Lyrics for this one were written by Mahendra Maharaj
in praise of Maha Avatar Babaji.

7) Shankara Daya
Dedicated to lord Shankara (Shiva).

8) Teri Sharan
Another song with lyrics written by Mahendra Maharaj
in praise of Maha Avatar Babaji.

9) Sankirtan
This also was written by Mahendra Maharaj
in praise of Maha Avatar Babaji.

10) Kali Kali Ma
Dedicated to Goddess Kali.

All compositions are adaptations of
traditional devotional melodies from India.
Produced by Emam for Eternal Music.
©1995 Emam - Published by Emam & Friends 1995 - BMI.
Temple bells recorded at Hairakhan Vishwa Maha Dham
in the Himalayan Foothills, India.


Cover sunset photo taken in Hairakhan - 1979.
Photos of deities taken at Bansal Marble House (New Delhi).


Recorded Live/Direct to Digital at S. Kalyani Studios (Delhi, India) - April 1993.
Recording Engineer: Rajinder Gandhi.


Special Thanks to: Gerald Brouwer (Pujari) and Daniel Fuchs.