Singles
The esoteric wisdom of the Sufis is beautifully conveyed through the spiraling dance ritual of the Mevlevi dervish order. Its founder, the poet and mystic Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, articulated this sublime understanding as it has been passed down from the great teachers of the past.
With "Dervish Drums," I have endeavoured to capture the haunting, evocative atmosphere of the Mevlevi dances using authentic drum sounds and rhythms, the Persian Setar, ethereal voices, wind instruments, and occasional gentle piano phrases to express the potential for spiritual engagement.
J. Gary Sill
19th Century Dervish Kettle Drum
Text from the Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah, December 21, 1898, reporting on the Anglo-Sudanese War
Photo: Dervish Kettle Drum
Queer Dervish Drums
Many strange and interesting relics were picked up on the field after the battle between the English and Egyptian troops and the dervishes by the troopers. They have gone to make up a collection of souvenirs of the Egyptian campaign, which will be placed in the British national Museum.
Afghanistan: The Lost City
Wayboard, J. Gary SIll
"Afghanistan: The Lost City" was composed in 2022 during a reunion of the rock band "Wayboard." In our early twenties, we made the decision to leave our day jobs to concentrate on performing at dances and concerts for a Read more
"Afghanistan: The Lost City" was composed in 2022 during a reunion of the rock band "Wayboard." In our early twenties, we made the decision to leave our day jobs to concentrate on performing at dances and concerts for a similarly youthful audience. Two decades later, we came together again to record, leveraging our increased experience, which allowed for enhanced collective creativity and the exploration of new musical ideas and skills.
After the withdrawal of U.S. troops in August 2021, the Taliban, despite initial promises to uphold human rights, gradually reinstated its strict interpretation of sharia law throughout the country. This included practices such as public executions, amputations, and flogging. Before their return, there was suffering; afterward, the suffering continued.
LYRICS
Afghanistan, we sit in sand, we are watching the poppies grow.
And Kandahar, which seemed so far, sees the blood flowing, row on row.
The madman calls for reason, but the pain of love has chased away the rose.
Banners are burning over city walls.
The caravan stumbles, baking in the sun.
No quarter given, heroes made to run.
Al hum dul-il-lah, running in a dream.
Al hum dul-il-lah, swimming up the stream.
Al hum dul-il-lah, running in a dream.
Al hum dul-il-lah, swimming up the stream.
A warrior’s song, with petrol bomb, we are burning the past today.
The sentries cry, the blood red sky, leave despair in the heart of fire.
The bowl of night is shining, with 10,000 stars, ashamed to show the way.
Down in the village, women lift the dead.
Kalashnikov stutter, firing at the moon.
Two dancers turning, round an empty room.
Al hum dul-il-lah, dancing for the jinn.
Al hum dul-il-lah, praying for an end.
Al hum dul-il-lah, dancing for the jinn.
Al hum dul-il-lah, praying for an end.