....Of The 'Andaleeb-e-Rumi'

My last post required weeks of spadework and a number of hiccups before I finished it. This one, however, will probably come spontaneously. I had decided that before I go to Kashmir and run the risk of losing access to the internet, I should share some of the rarer Qawwali recordings I had, plus provide a little background about each of the artists and recordings. I thought that'd be it as far as Qawwali was concerned. But today, while packing my trunk and listening to some recordings, I figured,there was time for one more post.

I've sporadically uploaded recordings of Haji Mehboob Qawwal over the past two years or so. He is far and away my favourite Qawwal, for innumerable reasons. The massive restoration project that me and some friends of mine are undertaking in an effort to catalogue, edit, digitize and publish his recordings is going on slow and steady. My friends've managed to bring out Volume One of his annotated 'Bayaaz' for limited publication and are working on the next volume. I would've loved to do a proper post on Haji Sahab and the importance of his work but I don't have permission yet from the 'buzurgaan' who benignly oversee our project. So, as a farewell post, I've decided to gather together all the recordings of Haji sahab I'd uploaded over the past two years into one post. I hope it will bring pleasure to the people (and I know that there are many) who scour the internet for good quality recordings of Haji sahab, as well as the other Qawwali lovers who are curious to know about one of the greatest Qawwals of our age. The recordings below are from various mehfils and represent Khanqahi Qawwali at it's best. Each kalam is sung lovingly and reverently. Haji sahab accompanies himself on Sitar and his brother Haji Mushtaq Qawwal provides support on the vocals and harmonium. The girahs that Haji sahab inserts - his hallmark - are exquisite, apt and serve to amplify and expound the spiritual message of the kalam. Without further ado, Andaleeb-e-Rumi, Haji Mehboob Ali Qawwal.

Araam Ke Saathi

Tori Har Har Adaa



Kyun Na Ashk Baar Hua Karoon

Dil Pareeshaan, Deeda Hairaan Kar Daee

Manam Mehve Jamale Oo

Nasima

Bandi Te Bardi

Kya Se Kya Do Din Main Haalat Ho Gyi