Ustad Noor Bakhsh, nearly 80, hails from Balochistan, Pakistan. A master of the benju, his music has only recently begun to gain recognition outside his home country. For years, he remained a hidden treasure of Makran, a semi-arid, mountainous coastal region in southwestern Pakistan. Today, he captivates audiences worldwide with his exceptional sensitivity and virtuosity.
The benju, a type of keyboard zither derived from the Japanese taishōkoto, takes on a completely new life in his hands. Noor Bakhsh plays an electric version of it, producing a raw, pulsating sound that can be both melodic and hypnotic. His music unfolds slowly, based on repetition and improvisation, gradually drawing the listener into an intense, almost trance-like rhythm.
These sounds are rooted in Balochi tradition, yet open to the world – they reveal influences from Persian, Kurdish, and South Asian music, as well as echoes of ancient routes connecting cultures around the Indian Ocean. Each track is like a journey – free-flowing, unhurried, full of nuances and surprising twists.
His recent recordings, including the album Jingul, have brought him international recognition, revealing his work to a new audience. Accompanied by two additional musicians (Doshambay – damboora, Daniyal Ahmed – damboora, bansuri), this performance is a rare opportunity to experience this music live – in a form that combines focus, energy, and a deep, almost meditative intensity.
Musicians:
Antonis Antoniou – electric tzouras / vocals / electronics
Manos Stratis – bass synth / organ
Will Scott – bass clarinet
Ulaş Öğüç – drums / triggers
