Tuesday 26 December 2017

Music of Afghanistan - A gorgeous Box of 5 LPs published in Japan in 1975


Here we present a rare gorgeous, luxurious box of 5 LPs of fieldrecordings from Afghanistan, published in 1975 in Japan. The box contains also a gorgeous booklet in the size of an LP of 56 pages with photos, texts and detailed track information. Unfortunately it is only in Japanese. Here we just present the double page giving the tracklist for the 5 LPs. It would be great if someone would be so kind to translate this into English. As the booklet is quite difficult to scan and it is a lot of work I will scan the remaining pages only step by step.
hk dutorchi came already up with a translation of the track details for the first LP (see below) and the subjects of the remaining 4 LPs: Tajik musicians (LPs 3 & 4), The Art of the Tanbur (from Mazar-i Sharif) (LP 5), Mazar-i Sharif musicians (LPs 6 & 7), Hazara music (LP 8), "Echoes of Alexandria" (Music from Kandahar and Herat) (LPs 9 & 10), Music from the Northeastern City of Fayzabad (LP 10). Many thanks, dutorchi. Very appreciated.
For the remaining 4 LPs Kyo from Japan translated the track details. See below and comments. Regarding the names of the instruments I made some minor correction. A very big thank you for the translation to Kyo. Very much appreciated.





LP 1

Side 1 – Sounds of the Mosques (Adhan chanting and Qur’an recitation)
1. Adhan (Sunni/Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
2. Adhan (Sunni/Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
3. Adhan (Sunni/Kabul) - Sherpur Mosque
4. Adhan (Shiite/Kabul) – Mohammadia Mosque
5. Adhan (Shiite/Kabul) – Karte Sakhi Mosque
6. Qur’an (Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
7. Qur’an (Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque

Side 2 – Pashtun Musicians (from the capital Kabul and Jalalabad)
1. Kabul – Rubab solo
2. Kabul – Paktian folk song
3. Kabul – Sarinda & dhol
4. Kabul – Chang & zerbaghali
5. Kabul – solo tula and instrumental ensemble
6. Jalalabad – Folksong from Jalalabad (from the epic Layla & Majnun; accompanied by rubab, tablas, and two harmoniums)
7. Jalalabad – Folksong from Jalalabad (from the epic Layla & Majnun; accompanied by rubab, tablas, and two harmoniums)




LP 2 - Tajik musicians (from Kunduz)

Side 3
1. Fakhar - Charbait from Badakhshan (accompanied by Ghichak, Zerbaghali and Tal)
2. "Baccha Mosi Mosi" - Charbait (accompanied by Dambura, Zerbaghali and Tal)
3. Charbait of Tajik (accompanied by Ghichak, Zerbaghali and Tal)
4. Folk Song from Badakhashan (Ghichak solo)
5. "Mondanabosi" - Charbait (accompanied by Ghichak, Zerbaghali and Tal)
6. Shamali Charbait (accompanied by Ghichak, Zerbaghali and Harmonium)

Side 4
1. Charbait of Tajik (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
2. Hazara-like Folk Song and "Mondanabosi" - Charbait (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
3. Folk Song from Herat (Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
4. Zerbaghali Solo
5. Uzbek Folk Song (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
6. "Mullah Mohammad Jan"
7. "Shak-kujan"
8. Lullaby




LP 3

Side 5 - The Art of the Tanbur (from Mazar-i Sharif)
1. Uzbek Folk Song ~ Folk Song from Shebargan
2. Folk Songs from Herat and Kabul
3. Pashto Folk Song

Side 6 - Mazar-i Sharif musicians
1. Uzbek Folk Song ~ Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif
2. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (accompanied by Tanbur, Dilruba, Rubab, Dhol and Harmonium)
3. Dance tune from Logar Province (Tanbur, Dilruba, Rubab, Dhol and Harmonium)
4. Dilruba Solo
5. Pashto Folk Song (Rubab and Dhol) 




LP 4

Side 7 - Mazar-i Sharif musicians
1. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
2. Uzbek Folk Song (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
3. Uzbek Folk Song (Tula)
4. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (Tula and Zerbaghali)
5. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (Tula and Zerbaghali)
6. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
7. Uzbek Folk Song and "Mondanabosi" (Tanbur and Zerbaghali)

Side 8 - Hazara music ~ In the lineage of Mongol
1. Folk Song from Bamyan (Dambra and Zerbaghali)
2. Charbait of Hazara
3. Charbait of Hazara
4. Pashto Folk Song (Nay Solo)
5. Charbait of Hazara
6. Charbait from Jaghuri
7. Folk Song from Hazarajat




LP 5

Side 9 - "Echoes of Alexandria" (Music from Kandahar and Herat)
1. Kandahar - Folk Song from Kandahar (accompanied by Rubab, Tanbur, Tabla and Harmonium)
2. Kandahar - Folk Song from Kandahar (Ghazal; accompanied by Rubab, Tanbur, Tabla and Harmonium)
3. Herat - Folk Song from Herat (accompanied by Tanbur, Dotar and Zerbaghali)
4. Herat - Zerbaghali Solo
5. Herat - Charbait from Herat (Tanbur Solo)
6. Herat - "Amena" Charbait from Herat (Dotar Solo)
7. Herat - Shamali Charbait
8. Herat - Shamali Charbait (Tula Solo)

Side 10 - "Echoes of Alexandria" contd. & Music from the Northeastern City of Fayzabad
1. Herat - "Amena" Charbait from Herat (accompanied by Dotar, Zerbaghali and Tar)
2. Herat - "Ya Mustafa" (Dotar, Zerbaghali and Tar)
3. Fayzabad - Farkhar (Badakhshani Charbait; accompanied by Ghichak, Dambura, Zerbaghali and Tal)
4. Fayzabad - Badakhshani Folk Song (accompanied by Rubab, Zerbaghali and Tal)
5. Fayzabad - Falak (Song of Packhorse Driver; accompanied by Dambura and Zerbaghali)
6. Fayzabad - Badakhshani Folk Song (accompanied by Rubab, Zerbaghali, Tal and Harmonium) 





29 comments:

Kiran said...

Such a beautiful share (as usual) Tawfiq Saab! I'm in no position to comment on the music, as I understand very little of Afghani folk genre, but the beautiful design of the LP/packaging alone should compel one to get this set of LPs - Stunning!

Anonymous said...

Today I was listening to Belton and Hamedullah, and I find this... Thank you so much, as always!

Anonymous said...

Thank you as always, sir - this is the best Christmas gift one could ask for :) Very excited for the rest of it coming up.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic, thank you so much ! Looking very forward to the rest

Eugene said...

I don't even know Japanese, but I tried to match the letters with what I know and here is the track list for the first two sides:
Side 1 – Sounds of the Mosques (Adhan chanting and Qur’an recitation)
1. Adhan (Sunni/Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
2. Adhan (Sunni/Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
3. Adhan (Sunni/Kabul) - Sherpur Mosque
4. Adhan (Shiite/Kabul) – Mohammadia Mosque
5. Adhan (Shiite/Kabul) – Karte Sakhi Mosque
6. Qur’an (Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
7. Qur’an (Kabul) - Pul-e Khishti Mosque
Side 2 – Pashtun Musicians (from the capital Kabul and Jalalabad)
1. Kabul – Rubab solo
2. Kabul – Paktian folk song
3. Kabul – Saringa & dhol
4. Kabul – Chang & zerbaghali
5. Kabul – solo tula and instrumental ensemble
6. Jalalabad – Folksong from Jalalabad (from the epic Layla & Majnun; accompanied by rubab, tablas, and two harmoniums)
7. Jalalabad – Folksong from Jalalabad (from the epic Layla & Majnun; accompanied by rubab, tablas, and two harmoniums)


The other discs feature, according to the order on the sleeve notes, Tajik Musicias (3&4), The Art of the Tanbur (from Mazari Sharif)(5), Mazari Sharif Musicians (6&7), Hazara music (8), "Echoes of Alexandria"(Music from Kandahar and Herat) (9&10), Music from the Northeastern City of Fayzabad (10)

Tawfiq said...

Dear Dutorchi,
thank you very very much. I will incorporate your infos into the post.

MusicRepublic said...

Dear Tawfiq,
Thank you very much for this epic, mouthwatering post of a box set unbeknown to me. Can't wait to listen to it.
Bless you,
MusicRepublic

Toofan Khan Rahim said...

Hi
I really love your work, i have been trying to contact you in regards to some of the publications. If you can please contact me on 2fan.khan@gmail.com so I know a contact point
It will be really appreciated

Toofan Khan Rahim

Toofan Khan Rahim said...

Did you recive my last message?

Richard said...

“Tawfiq”—again you present the world with an opportunity to listen to rare music which would otherwise be deteriorating away in a warehouse somewhere before (eventually) being lost to fire, natural disaster, or human wickedness,

It seems to me that saying,”Thank you. You are a true gentleman and friend,” does not do justice to what should be said. Nevertheless, that is what I am going to say.

Thanks again!

Tawfiq said...

It is totally my pleasure. Many thanks for such positive feedback. This is very encouraging.

Tawfiq said...

One of the sayings of the prophet Muhammad (SAWS) is: Treat people the way you want be teated by people. That is my guideline in my acts. It is a way of thanking all those people who were generous with their recordings and granted us so many enjoyable moments and also hoping for more from them, insha'Allah.

Kyo said...

Dear Tawfiq
I'm a big fan of your excellent blog and a number of musical heritages you have posted. Thank you so much for sharing the gems.
I'm Japanese and would like to contribute to your blog. Follows are the translation of track list of side3~10.

> hk dutorchi
Thank you for posting the translation of track list for Side 1&2. It's perfect!

track list:
Tajik musicians (from Kunduz)
Side3
1. Fakhar - Charbait from Badakhshan (accompanied by Hichak, Zerbaghali and Tar)
2. "Baccha Mosi Mosi" - Charbait (accompanied by Dambra, Zerbaghali and Tar)
3. Charbait of Tajik (accompanied by Hichak, Zerbaghali and Tar)
4. Folk Song from Badakhashan (Hichak solo)
5. "Mondanabosi" - Charbait (accompanied by Hichak, Zerbaghali and Tar)
6. Shamali Charbait (accompanied by Hichak, Zerbaghali and Harmonium)
Side4
1. Charbait of Tajik (accompanied by Panjitar and Zerbaghali)
2. Hazara-like Folk Song and "Mondanabosi" - Charbait (accompanied by Panjitar and Zerbaghali)
3. Folk Song from Herat (Panjitar and Zerbaghali)
4. Zerbaghali Solo
5. Uzbek Folk Song (accompanied by Panjitar and Zerbaghali)
6. "Mullah Mohammad Jan"
7. "Shak-kujan"
8. Lullaby

The Art of the Tanbur (from Mazar-i Sharif)
Side5
1. Uzbek Folk Song ~ Folk Song from Shebargan
2. Folk Songs from Herat and Kabul
3. Pashto Folk Song

Mazar-i Sharif musicians
Side6
1. Uzbek Folk Song ~ Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif
2. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (accompanied by Tanbur, Dilruba, Rubab, Dhol and Harmonium)
3. Dance tune from Logar Province (Tanbur, Dilruba, Rubab, Dhol and Harmonium)
4. Dilruba Solo
5. Pashto Folk Song (Rubab and Dhol)
Side7
1. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
2. Uzbek Folk Song (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
3. Uzbek Folk Song (Tula)
4. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (Tula and Zerbaghali)
5. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (Tula and Zerbaghali)
6. Folk Song from Mazar-i Sharif (accompanied by Tanbur and Zerbaghali)
7. Uzbek Folk Song and "Mondanabosi" (Tanbur and Zerbaghali)

Hazara music ~ In the lineage of Mongol
Side8
1. Folk Song from Bamyan (Dambra and Zerbaghali)
2. Charbait of Hazara
3. Charbait of Hazara
4. Pashto Folk Song (Nay Solo)
5. Charbait of Hazara
6. Charbait from Jaghuri
7. Folk Song from Hazarajat

"Echoes of Alexandria" (Music from Kandahar and Herat)
Side9
1. Kandahar - Folk Song from Kandahar (accompanied by Rubab, Tanbur, Tabla and Harmonium)
2. Kandahar - Folk Song from Kandahar (Ghazal; accompanied by Rubab, Tanbur, Tabla and Harmonium)
3. Herat - Folk Song from Herat (accompanied by Tanbur, Dotar and Zerbaghali)
4. Herat - Zerbaghali Solo
5. Herat - Charbait from Herat (Tanbur Solo)
6. Herat - "Amena" Charbait from Herat (Dotar Solo)
7. Herat - Shamali Charbait
8. Herat - Shamali Charbait (Tula Solo)
Side10
1. Herat - "Amena" Charbait from Herat (accompanied by Dotar, Zerbaghali and Tar)
2. Herat - "Ya Mustafa" (Dotar, Zerbaghali and Tar)

Music from the Northeastern City of Fayzabad.
3. Fayzabad - Farkhar (Badakhshani Charbait; accompanied by Hichak, Dambra, Zerbaghali and Tar)
4. Fayzabad - Badakhshani Folk Song (accompanied by Rubab, Zerbaghali and Tar)
5. Fayzabad - Falak (Song of Packhorse Driver; accompanied by Dambra and Zerbaghali)
6. Fayzabad - Badakhshani Folk Song (accompanied by Rubab, Zerbaghali, Tar and Harmonium)

matt said...

Thank you. These are beautiful recordings. I love side 1.

Unknown said...

Thanks you for sharing this beautiful music, I'm looking forward to hearing LPs 3, 4 and 5!

Paul Childs

Tawfiq said...

Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much, Kyo. Invaluable contribution. Very much appreciated. I will incorporate your translation into the post.

tim abdellah said...

Thanks for sharing these wonderful recordings, Tawfiq! Best wishes to you and yours for the new year.

Valentin MH said...

Many thanks, tashakur...that was before Soviet invasion. Ghoda hafez !

farosanderson said...

Tawfiq: thank you again for your wonderful offering. Best wishes for 2018

Anonymous said...

many thanks Tawfiq for this aural feast, a very beautiful post ,enjoyed with some reflection and touch of sadness too when one considers the horror of war and awful siege, and pillage the country has been under for so long now!!

JT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Thanks a lot Tawfiq, I have been searching for this box for a long time. I have another one at home on same label with 4 LP: 1 afghan music, 1 iranian music and 2 turkish music, everything is also written in japanese, I will try to upload them soon. Best regards, julien sinya33.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks very much for this Afghanistan set music as a wonderful New Year gift. Best wishes for your 2018!

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much and greetings from the country of Constantin Brailoiu.

Cu respect,

Horatiu

Romanesh said...

Thank you so much Tawfiq, once again, for this wonderful post!!

I am waiting impatiently for the others scans !!

Alan said...

Thank you dear Tawfiq
Oh yes, the other scans would be great ;-)

el rubab said...

Hello Tawfiq,
today I published two Ustad Sarahang's records on my blog. maybe you (and others) are interested, here is link: https://sinya33.wordpress.com/2018/07/17/ustad-sarahang/
Best regards and thanks for your work,
Julien

Mejgan said...

Salaam Tawfiq jan - I am a graduate student at Stanford University in the United States and I am working on a dissertation chapter regarding the circulation of Afghan music around the world. I would like to ask you some questions regarding this incredible album you've featured here. Can I have your e-mail address?

Tawfiq said...

Dear Mejgan, give me here your email and I will contact you then. If you want so, I don't publish your comment in which you give your email. This way it remains unpublished. Ok?