Listen to a bit of their performance at Stony Brook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4BEm0BPBnk

Stony Brook University had the privilege of hosting music group Niyaz on February 25^th at the Charles B. Wang Center. Niyaz, Farsi and Urdu for yearning, is notable for the unique cultural and religious makeup of its group members, the majority of who are from Middle Eastern and Indian ancestry.

The mood of the evening was attributive of melodic Persian folk songs fused with contemporary sounds. The interplay of anachronistic elements was prevalent throughout the performance. Lead vocalist Azam Ali expressively sang the poignant verses of Sufi poets while playing the hammer dulcimer and performing finger symbols. Ali’s booming voice and sheer intensity was alluring.

Guitarist Loga Ramin Torkian derived elaborate sounds on the guitar, Turkish saz and the electric guitarviol respectively. Torkian based his lines on Persian classical repertoire referred to as radif.

Keyboardist Carmen Rizzo contributed timely gritty and subtle beats by way of laptop and soundboard. The notion of cultural attachment and heritage was a driving factor for the performers.

The ubiquitous Azam Ali can be described as a ‘third culture kid.” Ali was born in Iran, but spent her formative years in India and the United States. She grew to embrace her multi-cultural background through music and personal reflection. Ali’s anecdote of her exploration of the mystical and spiritual aspects of Sufism was a highlight of the evening. The feeling of being caught between cultures or was not lost upon Ali. 
           
Niyaz through the course of the performance sought to establish a dialogue with the audience. The group cited 13th century Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi and ancient Indian Urdu poetry as influences. The chief aim was to make music accessible to traditional listeners and ultimately the global community. Niyaz can be lauded for its seamless blending of East and West, while utilizing traditional and modern instruments. The delicate balance that was struck between spiritualistic aspirations and ‘dancy’ beats encapsulated the evening. Niyaz has earned a place in this reviewer’s music palette. 

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