Revelation

AMG Review of Revelation

William Ruhlmann
All Music Guide

"For the martyrs of the dagger of submission, the Unseen brings a new life every morning," reads the legend on the back of this album, and the chief martyr would seem to be qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who certainly sounds joyous. "On this recording Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan blends raditional sarangi accompaniment with innovative electric voices," another back-cover note reveals. But in fact, the four tracks that make up Revelation are performed in raditional style, with acoustic instruments and a backup chorus echoing Khan's lines. While the voices might be described as electric in the sense of being electrifying, the music is not performed on electrified instruments. So, those who prefer their qawwali undiluted by Western pop influences should not be put off. On the other hand, this title cannot be recommended above the many other Khan releases, even if all of them are recommended to aficionados.