KARACHI:
While the security situation in the country became volatile in the wake of escalating riots in major cities in Pakistan, seasoned American musician Jono Manson managed to collaborate on a song with The Sketches just before he had to leave the country.
The lead singer of The Sketches, which is a Sufi folk rock band, Saif Samejo contacted Manson last year to ask if he might be interested in a long distance music exchange. Manson agreed, and the artists then began composing “Khahori” (which translates to ‘wandering ascetics’) based on the poetry of Sindhi Sufi scholar Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689 – 1752).
Initially, the progress made was through exchange of music files online but to go further, the band required Manson to be in Pakistan for filming the musical video and a one-on-one meeting, which brought him to experience the rich culture of Sindh.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Manson says, “The music is truly a blend of eastern and western traditions and though many of those who played on this recording have never met one another, it feels very much like a unified group of musicians; playing together and responding to each other.”
The new track is officially titled “Khahori” (The Seeker), and it speaks of those in search of spiritual guidance who give up all earthly comforts to seek wisdom and enlightenment. It has sung in both English and Sindhi by Manson and Saif. Manson said Saif “did a great job” on the track.
However, more than the music itself, it was the people of Sindh who won Manson over with their gratitude and love towards him. They presented him with a folk instrument called Dambooro (Tambour) as a gift. “I have it here and I’m already learning to play it. In fact, I’m planning to play it on one of the recordings I’m working on for The Sketches,” he explains. “A traditional folk instrument from Sindh will now be recorded here, played by an American. This is a world of miracles!” Manson shares excitedly.
The original plan between Manson and the band was to record the music video for “Khahori” in the deserts of Sindh, but unfortunately, Pakistan’s unstable security situation forced a change in their plans. Manson, determined to see the good in every situation, says they are still moving ahead and are more focused than ever. “Now, parts of the video for ‘Khahori’ will be filmed in the deserts of America instead of Thar in Sindh, and in the end this will add a greater dimension to the project. Everything happens for a reason,” he says.
Despite his brief visit to Pakistan, Manson takes with him many memories as a traveler and culturally rich lessons as a musician. This project has challenged Manson to move beyond the boundaries of his “usual” musical world. “It feels great to be 51 years old and still learning and growing,” says Manson. “There is also something incredible about listening to and working with melodies that are so ancient. I believe that they carry the spirit of all those who have sung them over the centuries, which is a powerful thing.”
This musical collaboration is yet another brilliant venture by The Sketches promoting peace, cultural heritage, freedom of expression and love. They are one of the few composers who have been releasing back-to-back videos after their “Coke Studio” success and continuously contributing to the music scene in Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2012.
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