Ghazalaw

The sublime sounds of India and Wales combine in this unique and exquisite collaboration that brings together the Indian ghazal and Welsh folk traditions. The six-piece band is led by Mumbai-based Tauseef Akhtar (harmonium, vocal) and singer-songwriter Gwyneth Glyn (guitar, vocal) from Criccieth on Cardigan Bay. They are joined by Manjeet Singh Rasiya (tabla), Patrick Rimes (violin) and Dylan Fowler (guitar). The Welsh folk and Indian ghazal traditions evolve from ancient poetic forms that share surprising affinities and a common Sanskrit root. They speak of loss and romantic love. Originally a C7^th Arabic verse form, ghazal travelled via sufi influences to medieval poets who embraced it, making it their own. Traditionally invoking melancholy, love, longing and mysticism, ghazals are now often sung by Iranian, Indian and Pakistani musicians.