Habibiyya - If Man But Knew CD (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-SUNBEAM 5043
A record I had heard great things about for many years, but have never seen or heard until now, this 1972 album, originally on Island, was their sole release. I believe that some/all of these musicians backed up Richard and Linda Thompson when they retired from professional music to become Sufi Muslims (as these musicians were also Sufi Muslims). A cool, odd, and unusual album.
"The Habibiyya’s sole album stands as one of the earliest and most beautiful pieces of world music ever recorded in Britain. The musicians involved (including three members of UK underground legends Mighty Baby) had been profoundly affected, both musically and spiritually, by visiting Morocco in 1971, and became adherents of the sufi faith. Upon their return to London they made If Man But Knew, featuring exotic instruments such as koto, shakuhachi and mandola alongside guitar, organ and drums, conjuring a hypnotic, other-worldly ambience in the process. It makes its long-awaited CD debut here, accompanied by detailed liner notes, previously-unseen photographs, five rare bonus tracks and an introduction by the group’s leader, Ian Whiteman."
"A whole range of instruments appear on 'If man but knew'; zither, mandola, oboe, flute and drums, to name but a few. It's incredibly difficult to tell you what a record such as this sounds like - it's almost impossible as I can't give you any similar sounds to refer to - unless you have been to Morocco and heard for yourself, it's like trying to describe how a good stone feels. Ian and Roger came from a band called 'Mighty Baby' - quite a musical contrast when you hear the music they are playing now. Think you may enjoy a taste of this strange Moroccan music. The Habibiyya are the followers of the venerable Shakya al-Habib."-Original 1972 press release
- LabelSunbeam
- UPC5051135102225
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