Coke Studio Episode 01 Reviewed By Umber Hyatt

Musical fusion between rock and qawwali was a natural consequence of the compatibility of the two genres and the pairing of Ali Azmat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, a logical choice with exciting potential. Both artists are at the top of their game in their respective fields, have known each other for many years and have a genuine, mutual respect and fondness for one another.

Due to the relentless schedules dictated by both artist’s professional commitments at home and abroad Ali and Rahat got just one opportunity to rehearse together. For those present, the rehearsal was a memorable experience. For the Coke Studio House Band it was the moment of truth - would weeks of rehearsals sans vocals pay off? They did. The atmosphere on the studio floor was electrifying. A rehearsal that started with frayed nerves gave way to the magic of music and the subtle ministrations of Rohail Hyatt. An initially bemused and bewildered Rahat lost no time in absorbing the essence of the environment amidst Ali Azmat’s voluble and enthusiastic suggestions and a dozen musicians collectively preparing to raise the bar and simply rearing to prove their mettle.

Although Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s album “Charkha” had just been released at the time of the Coke Studio recordings, Rahat and Rohail both felt that this was an ideal opportunity to pay tribute to Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with a rendition of one of his traditional melodies and Shammaan Paiyaan was chosen. A brief and intricately technical discussion with the band ensued and the Coke Studio version of “Shammaan Paiyaan” took shape. Taking advantage of the solid support, both musical and technical, available at Coke Studio, Rahat gave a memorable demonstration of his legendary flair for ex-tempo alaap in a highly emotional and evocative performance.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, recently returned from an international tour with Eddie Vedder performing the Michael Brookes versions of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Night Songs, says he was amazed and delighted with the level of professionalism and dedication evident at Coke Studio. “Today I can say that our musicians here in Pakistan are at par with international musicians,” said Rahat shortly after rehearsing with the Coke Studio House Band for the first time, “I have performed all over the world but I can say, with pride and without a doubt that I have never experienced anything like this.”

Eager to acknowledge Rahat’s contribution as co-writer/composer of “Garaj Baras” Ali Azmat instantly nominated the song as a perfect choice for collaboration. The Coke Studio version of “Garaj Baras” played to audiences across the country and has since received a stunned and unanimously ecstatic response. Garaj Baras ala Coke Studio mesmerizes and is slated to receive a new lease on life at the level of the Eagles, “Hell Freezes Over” version of ‘Hotel California.

“Baalamaan” from Ali Azmat’s unreleased new album “Kalashinfolk” debuted on Coke Studio as the second fusion track. It was chosen as it has its roots in the Eastern classical raag ‘Aimen’ and is a characteristic example of Ali’s surprising musical, emotional repertoire. Naturally, Rahat had never heard the song before so Ali, acoustic guitar and musical acumen in hand, ran over it a few times with him. The rehearsal for “Baalamaan” may have been brief, however, it was obviously cogent as the final performance was scintillating. The two vocalists created the perfect complement to one another and enthralled audiences with their instinctive and fluid performance.

Ali Azmat going solo, but still highly unorthodox, with his big band take on “Deewana” was this weeks unique musical make-over on Coke Studio. The obvious enjoyment of the band, especially the Balochi percussion ensemble and backing vocalist Saba and Selina, is contagious and contributes to the mood created by Ali’s crooning, cajoling vocals.

Hugely popular with younger audiences Mauj front man and Coke Studio House Band guitarist Omran Shafique brought the eternally catchy “Paheliyan” to the floor The highly energetic Coke Studio version gets the adrenalin going and prepares listeners for the finale “Gullaan”. Again, from Ali Azmat’s unreleased second album the song is a frenetic, poetic satire of lyrics and sound - a challenging number to do live, “Gullaan” live on Coke Studio is a phenomenal high!