Home / Arts and Entertainment / Shye Ben Tzur & Jonny Greenwood's Hypnotic Album 'Ranjha'
Shye Ben Tzur & Jonny Greenwood's Hypnotic Album 'Ranjha'
1 Jun
Summary
- Album blends Sufi themes of identity dissolution with trance-like music.
- Recorded in Oxford studio, contrasting with the previous 'Junun' album.
- Features a fusion of Indian classical, qawwali, and Western musical elements.
The spiritual journey of qawwali composer Shye Ben Tzur and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood culminates in their new album, 'Ranjha.' This project, their first collaboration in over ten years, delves into Sufi tenets of surrendering one's identity. The title track, featuring the Rajasthan Express qawwali singers, repeats verses about becoming one with the divine.
Recorded in Greenwood's Oxford studio, 'Ranjha' offers a refined sound compared to their previous album, 'Junun.' Drummer Tom Skinner provides a lighter touch, emphasizing texture over heavy beats. The album intricately weaves together Hebrew, Urdu, and Hindi languages.
Musically, 'Ranjha' adheres to Hindustani classical modes, blending instruments like the shehnai, trumpet, and violin with Greenwood's bass and keyboard. This fusion creates a unique soundscape that bridges Western chamber music and Sufi qawwali traditions.
