Ashraf Hydroz´s music for the soul
(WorldNews Music)

Chaap tilak sab chinni re Ashraf Hydroz sings with full-throated ease. He lends a different flavour and colour to the iconic Sufi qawwali that has mesmerised audiences for centuries. The Amir Khusro classic is blended with elements of Khayal and improvised solo sequences using the Sargam technique. The hint of strong Hindustani classical is too obvious to miss. Not surprising, for Ashraf´s life has been a journey to understand and appreciate the expansive contours of North Indian music. Ironically, Ashraf was initiated into Carnatic music by two teachers - Ramankutty Asan and Vijayarajan Master - close to his home at Mattancherry. But his bank job took him to Delhi, and the seven years...