Born in India, you might say that ghazal singer Kiran Ahluwalia has ghazals and Punjabi folk songs racing through her blood.  Certainly the young vocalist who immigrated to Toronto, Canada as a child carries this ancient music in her heart.  Her determination and endearing obsession for these love songs from a bygone era was so powerful that Kiran quit her job as a bond trader in Toronto and headed out to India where she eventually sought out Vithal Rao, one of the last remaining links to a musical genre that originated in Persia 1000 years ago and traveled to India 400 years ago. 

These days, Kiran walks the fine line between honoring tradition (ghazals are considered light classical Indian music) and adding new instrumentation.  Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster appears on the tracks Jhanjra and Rabh Da Roop, but the end result is not a Celtic-Indian classical fusion.  MacMaster employs a light handed approach and her fiddle dovetails with tabla, sarangi and other instruments.  At first I was expecting something along the lines of Sheila Chandra who has experimented with Indian, ambient and Irish music, but Kiran's repertoire sounds closer to acoustic Punjabi folk music.  While I have nothing against the Bhangra music craze (which finds its roots in Punjabi folk melodies), it is refreshing to hear Punjabi folk songs played on acoustic and traditional instruments.  I think that fans of Bhangra and Sheila Chandra's repertoire will enjoy Kiran's delightful CD.

The crowning glory of Kiran's debut international and self-titled recording is her vocal talent.  Ghazal singing might be considered light classical by Indian standards, but it is challenging music to sing nonetheless.  Kiran's interpretation and arrangements of Punjabi folk and ghazal songs are absolutely stunning.  She sings love songs which she calls "time honored pick up lines."  And well, I cannot imagine that these poetic lines and gorgeous music wouldn't do the trick.  Who could resist a beloved that speaks so eloquently and sings so beautifully?  Numerous musicians appear on this recording and they weave sarangi, flute, tabla, guitar, bass, harmonium, keyboards and other instruments to create a spectacular whole.  Kiran Ahluwalia is already on my list for best performers for 2005.  Go and pick up this CD.