Sufi Devotional Music: Asif Ali Khan
Asif Ali Khan, who was once hailed by the late maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan as one of his best students, has surely emerged as the music’s reigning prince. Since Nusrat’s death in 1997, Khan has participated in tribute concerts and recordings dedicated to the memory of his teacher but has developed a style and presence all his own. While remaining faithful to the sublime traditions of the devotional qawwali music, Khan’s music can be meditative and trance-inducing, thrilling and ecstatic. To hear his voice soaring above the call-and-response choruses, rhythmic hand claps, percussion, and harmonium of his accompanying musicians is an inspiring experience, whether you’re an adherent of the Sufi faith or not. He performed to a capacity audience for the 2012 London Olympics.
Tickets $29–$45