KIRAN AHLUWALIA

(Triloka)

 

The ghazal is an ancient genre of love song developed in Persia and India--the word literally translates as "talking amorously to women". Singer Kiran Ahluwalia, who was born in India but grew up in Toronto, is one of the few artists to compose contemporary ghazals, using the texts of modern Indian poets. Her melodies, which masterfully incorporate Western influences, are beautiful, her voice curling around the lines like burning incense. Among these is a surprising collaboration with Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster.