Taufiq Qureshi - Mystic Soundscapes - Forest

[Yvonne Chow]

Taufiq Qureshi, the younger son of music maestro Ustaad Allah Rakha,
is one of the most prolific percussionists in India. In his latest
gift to music-lovers, Taufiq has captured the essence of the forest in
9 superb tracks, each centered on a different mood.
The opening track, Morning in Forest greets listeners with gentle yet
vibrant beats signifying the waking up of the forest flora and fauna
after the nightlong siesta. The bongo drums form the base of this
track, accompanied by rhythmic electronic beats in the background.
Bird's-Eye-View takes listeners to the open sky. The sound of wind
passing through trees, the chirping of birds and the crooning of birds
all around take users to an enchanting new world.
The murky depths of a forest river beckon the listener in Deep, a
track with a foreboding effect. Qureshi shines with the percussion
effects here, capturing the listener's attention within the first 30
seconds or so. Though the track is the smallest in the album, it's
appeal is unquestionable.
If Bird's-Eye-View was cheerful in its approach, Hunt is equally dark
with the violent ending of life in one moment. The music keeps
elevating in tempo until coming to a sudden halt, signifying the
moment when the dominating hunter crushes it's feeble prey underneath
it's claws. An almost deafening silence reigns for a moment, then
gives way to the beats with renewed enthusiasm, celebrating the thrill
of a perfect kill.
Enchanting Forest sounds a little out-of-place after the intense Hunt,
but that does not mar the individual appeal of this cheerful track.
The mystical nature of the rainforest has been captured here, replete
with synthesizer arrangement and drumbeats in the background. Good for
hearing as a standalone track.
Waterhole brings to vision the delight of thirsty herbivores gathered
at the river for a quick drink. The initial tone is cheerful and
relaxed, but the music suddenly gains speed as a carnivore approaches
in hope of a meal. The swift scattering of a panicked population of
animals has been captured in the music here, giving way to swift and
heavy beats.
The lighthearted beats of Live Swingers bring in front of the eyes the
masterful acrobatics performed by dexterous primates while following
the aerial route through giant trees. The music is fast paced and
easily capable of elevating the mood of the listener.
Revered Forest should have been placed immediately after Enchanting
Forest, as the two tracks sound like spiritual extensions of one
another. Qureshi plays around with the beats here, creating a
reverberating effect. It's obvious appeal notwithstanding; even from
the technical point of view the track is absolutely flawless.
Call of the Night announces the end of this great collection with the
sounds native to the mystical forest at nighttime. The beats are
medium-paced, with the bongo used to good effect.
All in all, Mystic Soundscapes - Forest is a title that should be in
the collection of any avid collector of world music albums.



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