Last Prophet

The Last Prophet functions as an excellent, easy-on-the-ears introduction to the great Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his party. Featuring rarer selections of the ensemble's extensive repertoire and recorded without reverb effect, the CD meshes the party's amazing vocal art into songs that contain all the fervor that is the nature of qawwali while still retaining a rhythmic, melodious sound familiar to Westerners. "Maki Madni" is a luxurious, two-tempoed tune growing into a wonderful, exploding chorus in praise of Muhammad; "Gunj-E-Shakar" is special in its portentous, urgent cadence. While Nusrat's vocal expertise isn't as incredibly full and wide-ranged as in earlier recordings, this CD is still the better pick for those in need of a Nusrat introduction that's lighter in intensity than the wildest, most intense Nusrat and party. --Karen Karleski