Sandeep Das, the HUM Ensemble - Delhi To Damascus (2020) [Hi-Res]

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit shlok, means “the world is one family”. For centuries, the human spirit has been transcending literal and figurative borders to survive and thrive. Inspired by the confluence of cultures this brings, Delhi to Damascus– the HUM Ensemble’s debut album– is a celebration of the shared history between India and Syria. As major trading cities of the legendary Silk Road, a vibrant cultural exchange flourished, exemplified by their common Sufi music tradition and the ancient Indo-Iranian and Indo-European Sanskrit script. A collaboration between Syrian and Indian Classical/Semi-Classical music, the album features oud, sitar, sarangi, and tabla, some of the most iconic instruments of these countries. Drawn from traditional Indian ragas, melodic Arabic maqams, philosophical Sufi poems, pulsating folk grooves, and lyrical thumris, it takes us on a mesmerizing journey of beginnings, poetry, faith, romantic yearning, and divinity. Its transcendental music, at times foreign and at others familiar, engages differences only to overcome them, inspiring us to embrace humanity as our community. An earnest quest to start a dialogue and spark compassion, Delhi to Damascus is a musical invitation to a spiritual odyssey, inspired by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam– the beautiful ideal of inclusion, empathy, and global community. Shonool Malik

Kinan Adnawi - Oud
Sandeep Das - Tabla
Rajib Karmakar - Sitar
Suhail Yusuf Khan - Sarangi & Vocals

Tracklist:
1.01 - Sandeep Das - Parvaaz-e Noor: Flight of Light (4:40)
1.02 - Sandeep Das - I Came, I Saw, I Surrended (6:08)
1.03 - Sandeep Das - Virah: The Longing (12:05)
1.04 - Sandeep Das - Delhi to Damascus (7:33)
1.05 - Sandeep Das - Shiva-Shakti (6:27)
1.06 - Sandeep Das - Aafreen (8:41)
1.07 - Sandeep Das - Come Hither My Love (9:53)
1.08 - Sandeep Das - Usha (8:12)