Live at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

Tracklist + Liner Notes

1. Taqsīm (Maqām Nahāwand) [Live]

   DESCRIPTION
   Live from the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music this year, this exquisite kanun solo piece, ‘Taqsim’, takes the most subtle longings of the soul and turns them into sound. Ethereal and and intensely beautiful, this evocative instrumental is masterfully performed by Onur Cicin in maqam Nahawand with allusions to Bayati.

   CREDITS

   FOH & Recording Engineer: Sachin Savio
   Monitor Engineer: Diego Biagioni

   Mixed & Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
   Video Editing & Postproduction by Omar Al-Balushi @ Andante Studios

   PERFORMERS (From right to left):

   Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: daf, bendir & vocals
   Ömer Avci: bendir, tef, kudum & vocals
   Onur Cicin: qanun
   Sezgin Yaman: oud
   Emre Kayacan: kemanche
   Hasan Kirkisoglu: ney
   Mahyar Toreihi: santoor
   Hüseyin Can Pala: bağlama

   AND

   Sami Yusuf

   Special thanks to Ismail Boujia & his group for joining as guest vocalists (From right to left):

   Mostafa El Lachkar
   Ismail Boujia
   Elouafi Mohammed
   Hamza Idrissi
   Mohammed El Alami
   Abderrazak Idrissi

2. The Key (Lamma Bada Yatathanna) [Live]

   DESCRIPTION
   Recorded live at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music in June 2019, Sami Yusuf’s latest single ‘The Key’ is based on a famous centuries-old Andalusian folk song. This musically rich piece is beautifully performed here by world class musicians accompanying Sami Yusuf’s signature vocals. New English lyrics along with the original Arabic poem weave together seamlessly to create a stunning sound that is peaceful, exotic and centering.

   CREDITS

   FOH & Recording Engineer: Sachin Savio
   Monitor Engineer: Diego Biagioni

   Mixed & Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
   Video Editing & Postproduction by Omar Al-Balushi @ Andante Studios

   PERFORMERS (From right to left):

   Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: daf, bendir & vocals
   Ömer Avci: bendir, tef, kudum & vocals
   Onur Cicin: qanun
   Sezgin Yaman: oud
   Emre Kayacan: kemanche
   Hasan Kirkisoglu: ney
   Mahyar Toreihi: santoor
   Hüseyin Can Pala: bağlama

   AND

   Sami Yusuf

   Special thanks to Ismail Boujia & his group for joining as guest vocalists (From right to left):

   Mostafa El Lachkar
   Ismail Boujia
   Elouafi Mohammed
   Hamza Idrissi
   Mohammed El Alami
   Abderrazak Idrissi

3. Hamziyya [Live]

   DESCRIPTION

   ‘Hamziyya’ is a multi-layered piece that brings together music inspired by an Algerian mystical chant with a melody suggestive of the English folk tradition. In the interweaving of these musical expressions the listener can hear how traditional music is always in harmony, never dissonant. ‘Hamziyya’ was initially released on Sami Yusuf’s album Barakah, but this is a completely new arrangement with a never-before-heard Taqsīm composition in the Intro.

   The Intro was performed for the first time at the 2019 Fes Festival of Sacred Music. In it each solo instrument explores a unique maqam or musical mode: Sīkah (qanun), Bayāti (bağlama), Rāst (ney), Hījāz (oud), and eventually returning to Rāst. Each of these modes is known to have a distinct emotional effect on the listener. Here the transitions from one mode to another are arranged to evoke various stages of an inner journey.

   The lyrics come from portions of the thousand-verse Hamziyya (poem rhyming in hamza) by the renowned Palestinian scholar Yusuf Nabhani (d. 1932). Because it describes the Prophet’s life and character, it’s frequently recited during Mawlid celebrations of the Prophet’s (pbuh) birthday.

   CREDITS

   Music Composed and Arranged by Sami Yusuf
   (Refrain based on a mystical Algerian chant)
   Words by Yusuf Nabhani

   English translation by T J Winter
   Additional translation by Yousef Casewit and Saad Ansari

   FOH & Recording Engineer: Sachin Savio
   Monitor Engineer: Diego Biagioni

   Mixed & Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
   Video Editing & Postproduction by Omar Al-Balushi @ Andante Studios

   PERFORMERS (From right to left):

   Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: daf, bendir & vocals
   Ömer Avci: bendir, tef, kudum & vocals
   Onur Cicin: qanun
   Sezgin Yaman: oud
   Emre Kayacan: kemanche
   Hasan Kirkisoglu: ney
   Mahyar Toreihi: santoor
   Hüseyin Can Pala: bağlama

   AND

   Sami Yusuf

   Special thanks to Ismail Boujia & his group for joining as guest vocalists (From right to left):

   Mostafa El Lachkar
   Ismail Boujia
   Elouafi Mohammed
   Hamza Idrissi
   Mohammed El Alami
   Abderrazak Idrissi

4. Taha [Live]

   Ṣalla l-Lāhu ‘alā Ṭāhā
   Khayri l-khalqi wa-’aḥlāhā
   God’s blessings be upon Taha,
   Best of creation and the sweetest

   Khayru l-khalqi huwa l-hādī
   Nūru l-kawni bihi bādī
   Best of [God’s] creation, he’s the guide
   The light of existence shines through him

   ‘Amma n-nāsa bi-’irshādi
   ’Azka l-khalqi wa-’arḍāhā
   He encompassed all mankind with his guidance
   Purest of creation and the most pleasing

   Nūru l-Lāhi l-mutaqaddim
   Qabla l-khalqi l-muta‘allim
   The first light of God
   He was taught before all other creation

   Badru n-nūri l-mutalaththim
   Hādi l-khalqi li-Mawlāhā
   The veiled light of the full moon
   Guiding creation to its Lord

   Ba‘da s-sidrati qad sārā
   Wa-ra’a l-ḥaqqa wa-’anwārah
   Beyond the Sidra* he walked
   And saw The Truth and His Lights

   Waqafa r-ruḥu wa-ma sārā
   Idhhab waḥdaka yā Ṭāhā
   The Spirit (Jibra’il) stopped and did not continue
   [saying] go on alone Taha

   Irża l-Lāha bi-l-ālāf
   ‘an ’ahli l-bayti l-’ashrāf
   May God be pleased with his intimates
   from his noble family

   Wa-l-’aṣhābi ’ūli-l-’insāf
   Nālu l-khulda wa-suknāhā
   And his companions, the people of justice
   Who gained eternity and its dwelling

   Malīḥun lawnuhū**
   Kahīlun ṭarfuhū
   Jamīlun na‘tuhū
   Ṣalla l-Lāhu ‘alā Ṭāhā
   Of fine complexion
   His eyes, dark and wide
   Of beautiful face
   The guide, with whom God is satisfied

   Qamarīyun wajhuhū
   Bahīyun shakluhū
   ‘Aẓīmun khuluquhū
   Ṣalla l-Lāhu ‘alā Ṭāhā
   His face is like the moon
   His form is resplendent
   His character is mighty
   Taha, the chosen one

   Rahīmun qalbuhū
   Ṣadūqun wa‘duhū
   ‘Amīmun jūduhū
   Māḥin muntaqā
   His heart is kind,
   His promises are kept
   His generosity is vast
   The effacer (of sins), the chosen one

   Ṣalātu Rabbī
   Ma‘a s-salāmi
   ‘Alā Muhammad
   Zaynu l-’asāmī
   The blessings of my Lord
   And His peace
   Upon Muhammad
   The most beautiful of names

   Maqām: Bayātī
   Commentary: “Ṣalla l-Lāhu ‘alā Ṭāhā” was written by the Sudanese/Egyptian Shaykh Salih al-Ja’fari (d. 1979) who taught and lived at the famous al-Azhar University in Cairo and was also the Imam of the al-Azhar mosque. He was a Sufi shaykh in the lineage of Ahmad ibn Idris of Fez (d. 1837) and a prolific author of works on the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic law and Sufism. He also wrote a celebrated collection of poetry, from which this song is taken. The end section incorporates the blessed names of the Prophet (pbuh) taken from the Diwan of the famous Moroccan Sufi saint Imam Mohammed Al-Jazuli’s (d. 1465), Dala’il al-Khayrat.
   *The Sidra is a reference to the “Lote tree of the furthest boundary” (sidrat al-muntahā) mentioned in the Qur’an (53:14) and described by the Prophet on his night journey to heaven (mi’rāj). The sidra marks the outer boundaries that separate the created world (‘ālam al-khalq) from the spiritual world of the divine command (‘ālam al-amr).
   **This section is an original composition with words provided by Mohammed Ali El Oumari and Abdel Ilah Ikhal. The inspiration behind the melody comes from an old Kurdish folk song heard by Sami Yusuf when he was a child.

   Words by Shaykh Salih al-Ja’fari
   Music: Traditional Islamic (unknown provenance)
   Performed and arranged by Sami Yusuf
   Recorded at Andante Studios

5. Ya Rasul Allah, Pt. 2 [Live]

   Description

   Ya Rasul Allah Pt 2, the latest release from Sami Yusuf, is a beautiful devotional piece that originated in Kurdish mystical circles. The piece is masterfully performed, and lovers of traditional music will be captivated by the subtle longing in the melody and the rhythm that is reminiscent of circles of remembrance. This new arrangement was recorded live at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music.

   Ṣallū ‘alayhi shafī’ l-’ummah
   Send salutations upon him, the intercessor of the Muslim nation

   Bi dhikri r-Rasūl tushḥadhu l-himmah
   By mentioning the messenger we sharpen our zeal

   Yā Rabbi bi-jāhin Nabī ’azihi l-ghummah
   O God, for the sake of the prophet, clear the adversity

   Ṣallū ‘ala l-Hādi l-Bashīr*
   Send salutations upon The Guide and Bearer of good tidings

   Ḥabībī l-Badri l-Munīr
   My beloved the luminous full moon

   Shafī’ī ‘inda l-Qadīr
   My intercessor with the All-Powerful

   Ṣallū ‘alayhi
   Send salutations upon him!

   Ṣallū bi-’aḥla l-kalām
   Send salutations upon him with the sweetest of words!

   Ṣallū ‘ala l-badri t-tamām
   Salutations upon him, the full-moon

   Rasūlī, khayri l-’anām
   My messenger, the best of mankind!

   CREDITS

   Words by Dr. Imed Nsiri
   Music: Traditional
   Additional Composition and Arrangement by Sami Yusuf

   FOH & Recording Engineer: Sachin Savio
   Monitor Engineer: Diego Biagioni

   Mixed & Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
   Video Editing & Postproduction by Omar Al-Balushi @ Andante Studios

   PERFORMERS (From right to left):

   Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: daf, bendir & vocals
   Ömer Avci: bendir, tef, kudum & vocals
   Onur Cicin: qanun
   Sezgin Yaman: oud
   Emre Kayacan: kemanche
   Hasan Kirkisoglu: ney
   Mahyar Toreihi: santoor
   Hüseyin Can Pala: bağlama

   AND

   Sami Yusuf

   Special thanks to Ismail Boujia & his group for joining as guest vocalists (From right to left):

   Mostafa El Lachkar
   Ismail Boujia
   Elouafi Mohammed
   Hamza Idrissi
   Mohammed El Alami
   Abderrazak Idrissi

6. Come See [Live]

   I am walking, burning, burning,
   Love has stained my heart with yearning,
   Neither crazy nor discerning –
   Come, see, what love has done to me.

   Gel gör beni beni aşk neyledi
   Derde giriftar eyledi

   Come, see, what love has done to me.

   One day like the winds I’m blowing,
   One day like the roads I’m going,
   One day like the floods I’m flowing.
   Come, see, what love has done to me.

   Take my hand and keep me staying –
   Take me else, to You conveying,
   No more tears, for laughs I’m praying.
   Come, see, what love has done to me.

   Walking round with Majnun’s madness,
   Seeing Her in dreams my gladness,
   Waking up again in sadness.
   Come, see, what love has done to me.

   I am Yunus, poor and stricken,
   From my exile my steps quicken,
   Head to toe I hurt and sicken.
   Come, see, what love has done to me.

   Ben yürürüm yane yane
   I am walking, burning, burning,

   Aşk boyadı beni kane
   Love has stained my heart with yearning,

   Ne akilem ne divane
   Neither crazy nor discerning –

   Gel gör beni aşk neyledi
   Derde giriftar eyledi
   Come, see, what love has done to me.
   Come, see, what love has done to me.

    

   DESCRIPTION

   Makam: Segah

   ‘Come See’ (Ben Yürürüm Yane Yane) is a Sufi song that is very popular throughout Turkey and the Balkans. Its lyrics come from a poem by the 13th century Turkish poet and mystic, Yunus Emre, whose poetry speaks to the human longing and love for the Divine. This song has been sung for centuries in Sufi ceremonies in Turkish-speaking lands and it continues to be a source of inspiration today. The English translation was provided by Dr Timothy Winter. In Makam Segah, this new arrangement was performed live at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music in 2019.

    

   CREDITS

   Words by Yunus Emre
   English translation by T J Winter
   Music: Traditional
   Additional Composition and Arrangement by Sami Yusuf

   FOH & Recording Engineer: Sachin Savio
   Monitor Engineer: Diego Biagioni

   Mixed & Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
   Video Editing & Postproduction by Omar Al-Balushi @ Andante Studios

   PERFORMERS (From right to left):

   Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: daf, bendir & vocals
   Ömer Avci: bendir, tef, kudum & vocals
   Onur Cicin: qanun
   Sezgin Yaman: oud
   Emre Kayacan: kemanche
   Hasan Kirkisoglu: ney
   Mahyar Toreihi: santoor
   Hüseyin Can Pala: bağlama

   AND

   Sami Yusuf

   Special thanks to Ismail Boujia & his group for joining as guest vocalists (From right to left):

   Mostafa El Lachkar
   Ismail Boujia
   Elouafi Mohammed
   Hamza Idrissi
   Mohammed El Alami
   Abderrazak Idrissi

7. Ilahana [Live]

   Description

   Sami Yusuf’s new arrangement of ‘Ilahana’ is performed here live at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (2019). The opening vocal solo sets a mood of intense longing and divine separation. The percussive, energetic melody and sparse instrumentation of the piece underscore its ecstatic vocals, leading the listener to a trance-like state. A sophisticated work, composed in Maqam Sīkah with allusions Rahat al-Arwah and Shad ‘Araban, this stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of traditional music with its many nuances. The lyrics are by the much-loved poet Abu Nuwas (8th/9th c.). The renowned Moroccan singer Ismail Boujiya joins in this powerful piece, which will be included in Sami Yusuf’s forthcoming album, ‘Ecstasy’.

   إلهنا.. ما أعدلك
   O our God, how just You are,

   مليكَ كل من ملك
   You are the King of all kings [or Owner of all who own].

   لبيك قد لبيتُ لك
   Here I am, I answer Your call,
   
   لبيك إن الحمدَ لك
   Here I am, verily all thanks are due to You,
   
   والملكُ لك، يا مولاي
   And all sovereignty, O Master.

   الله يا الله، يا مولانا
   Allah, Allah, O our Master.

   سبحانه ما أعظمه
   How great is His glory,
   
   والملك له، لا شريك له
   And there is no partner in His sovereignty.

   لبيك إن الحمدَ لك
   Here I am, verily all thanks are due to You,
   
   والعز، لا شريك لك
   And You have no partner in glory.

   الله وحده.. لا شريك له
   Allah is One, He has no partners.

   الله الله الله
   Allah, Allah, Allah,
   
   لا إله إلا هو
   There is no god but Him.

   الله الله الله
   Allah, Allah, Allah,
   
   لا إله إلا هو
   There is no god but Him.

   إلهنا.. ما أعدلك
   O our God, how just You are,
   
   مليكَ كل من ملك
   You are the King of all kings [or Owner of all who own].

   لبيك قد لبيتُ لك
   Here I am, I answer Your call,
   
   لبيك إن الحمدَ لك
   Here I am, verily all thanks are due to You,

   و هو أول و هو آخر، الظاهر والباطن
   He is First, and He is Last, the Outer and the Inner,
   
   و الوالي ما أعظمه
   And how great is the Friend and Protector,
   
   والملك له، لا شريك له
   And He has no partners is His sovereignty.
   

   لبيك إن الحمد لك
   Here I am, verily all thanks are due to You,
   
   والعز، لا شريك لك
   And You have no partner in glory.

   الوكيل، القوي، المتين، الغني،
   The Guardian, the Possessor of all Strength, the Impassible, the Rich One,
   
   اللطيف، الخبير، الحليم
   The most Subtle and Gracious, the All-Aware, the Forbearing,

   سبحانه، ما أعدله
   How just He is,
   
   مليكَ كل من ملك
   You are the King of all kings [or Owner of all who own].

   لبيك قد لبيتُ لك
   Here I am, I answer Your call,
   
   لبيك إن الحمدَ لك
   Here I am, verily all thanks are due to You,

   ارحمنا، واسترنا، واحفظنا من كل بلوى، الرحيم، يا مولانا
   Have mercy on us, and help us, and save us from every calamity, O our Master.

   إلهنا.. ما أعدلك
   O our God, how just You are,
   
   مليكَ كل من ملك
   You are the King of all kings [or Owner of all who own].

   لبيك قد لبيتُ لك
   Here I am, I answer Your call,
   
   لبيك إن الحمدَ لك
   Here I am, verily all thanks are due to You,

   سبحانه
   Glory be to Him.

    

   CREDITS

   Composed and Arranged by Sami Yusuf
   Words by Abū Nuwās

   FOH & Recording Engineer: Sachin Savio
   Monitor Engineer: Diego Biagioni

   Mixed & Mastered by Vishnu Rajan @ Andante Studios
   Video Editing & Postproduction by Omar Al-Balushi @ Andante Studios

   PERFORMERS (From right to left):

   Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: daf, bendir & vocals
   Ömer Avci: bendir, tef, kudum & vocals
   Onur Cicin: qanun
   Sezgin Yaman: oud
   Emre Kayacan: kemanche
   Hasan Kirkisoglu: ney
   Mahyar Toreihi: santoor
   Hüseyin Can Pala: bağlama

   AND

   Sami Yusuf

   Special thanks to Ismail Boujia & his group for joining as guest vocalists (From right to left):

   Mostafa El Lachkar
   Ismail Boujia
   Elouafi Mohammed
   Hamza Idrissi
   Mohammed El Alami
   Abderrazak Idrissi

8. Track 08
9. Track 09
10. Track 10
11. Track 11