*The Following Press Release Was Issued By Independent Music Promotions*
 | Mohamed Assani Ayesha and the Mullah Independent 1 September 2020 |
| A re-envisioning of a traditional Afghan song, from the wheelhouse of composer & sitarist Mohamed Assani. “Ayesha and the Mullah” is a folk tale of two lovers caught between the class systems of 12th century Khurasan (Afghanistan). Traditionally known as Mullah Mohammed Jan, Assani’s take includes his own original compositions alongside this familiar folk tune. Only available on Bandcamp. Listen: https://mohamedassani.bandcamp.com/track/ayesha-and-the-mullah Further Info: Similar/RIYL: Anoushka Shankar, Nihtin Sawhney, Trilok Gurtu, Zakir Hussain Genre(s): Indian/Pakistani, Electronic, Ambient, World Adaptation & Arrangement – Mohamed Assani Sitar – Mohamed Assani Tabla – Ustad Shahbaz Hussain Mridangam – Curtis Andrews Producer – Adham Shaikh Press Quotes: “Assani is both a musician who’s deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of South Asia and a one-of-a-kind innovator. Vancouver’s world music scene – already one of the best anywhere – might be about to get a whole lot more interesting.” – The Georgia Straight “Many of the [ISCM] festival’s most memorable pieces departed from the Eurocentric norm. One spectacular success was the world premiere of Mohamed Assani and John Oliver’s ‘Pressed for Time,’ a concerto for sitar, tabla and orchestra, which for once fully fused these two very different worlds. It was a triumph.” – Musicworks Magazine “Worlds collide – and combine, beautifully.” – The Georgia Straight (about Mohamed’s sitar concerto) Accolades: * Mohamed Assani is an award-winning sitar player and composer, known for being a proactive ambassador for his rich musical tradition. * Mohamed has performed Hindustani classical music as well as his own original music across the globe — with orchestras, string quartets, hip hop artists, DJs, world music ensembles, jazz artists, Indian & Pakistani classical artists — and as a soloist. * Mohamed has been invited to present his music to royalty and heads of state, including the Governor General of Canada, Royal Family of Dubai and HRH Prince Karim Aga Khan. In 2018, he also received an award from Drishti Magazine for ‘Innovation in the Arts.’ Websites: Official Website: www.mohamedassani.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mohamedassanisitar/ Twitter: @sitarandtabla Instagram: @mohamedassanisitar YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/mohamedassani Photos: All photos credit to Kristine Cofsky Photography (https://www.theportraitsessionsphotography.com/, Instagram: @theportraitsessions, Facebook: www.facebook.com/theportraitsessions) Artist Biography: According to the Georgia Straight Newspaper, “Assani is both a musician who’s deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of South Asia and a one-of-a-kind innovator who’s bent on ensuring that those age old forms will survive and grow, in the modern era. Vancouver’s world music scene – already one of the best anywhere – might be about to get a whole lot more interesting.” Mohamed’s musical journey began at Dartington College of Arts in England, where he did a degree in Western Classical and World music. He then went on to learn sitar in the traditional way and is a senior disciple of Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan of the Poonch Gharana. Mohamed is a leader in his field – forging new paths for his music to develop and grow, while remaining committed to the rich depths and roots from which his tradition has emerged. He is based in Vancouver, Canada. |
