ALLAH’S MUSIC

In this feature, The Times’ pop-music writers spotlight out-of-the-way albums of special merit.

Artist: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Record: “Best of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan--Qawwal and Party” (WOMAD, English import).

History: Qawwali music is the devotional music of the Sufis, a Muslim sect that adds a mystic dimension to the Islamic faith. With close to 40 albums released in his native Pakistan, Khan is widely regarded as the foremost singer in the genre. Talk about roots--Khan’s family had been performing Qawwali music for over six centuries before he took over leadership of the 10-member party (group) 15 years ago at 23. This album features six of Khan’s songs, re-recorded in England last year to take advantage of the spurt of popularity he enjoyed following an appearance at the annual WOMAD arts festival there.

Sound: Qawwali music is built around intricate vocal parts pitting the lead singer against ensemble harmonies. Khan frequently uses those call-and-response sections as a springboard to send his high, wailing voice on long, spiraling scale runs. The chief instruments are harmonium (a small reed organ), tabla (hand drums), mandolin and guitar. The music is reminiscent of Indian music more than anything--”Allah Hoo Allah Hoo” sounds vaguely like the Beatles’ “Within You, Without You”--and the arrangements may have been somewhat Westernized to appeal to Khan’s new European fans. This is classical, religious music singing the praises of Allah. But like American gospel, you don’t have to embrace the faith to savor the spirit of the singing.