Rahim Khushnawaz - Afghan Rubab With Songbirds

An unusual CD presenting the 1994 recordings of one of the greatest masters of Afghan traditional music, Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz. He plays the rubab, the national instrument of Afghanistan. His wonderful renditions of folk pieces, classic songs, and two Afghan ragas were recorded by his friend Veronica Doubleday, in the relaxed atmosphere of his home in Herat, western Afghanistan. Of special interest is the beautiful singing of his two canaries; the remarkable expressive interaction between a musician and his songbirds makes these recordings unique. Some tracks feature solo rubab, but most include drum accompaniment by musicians visiting the house. The CD has a fully informative 16-page booklet.