Artist: Hamza with Jasbir Jassi & Sunanda Sharma
Title: Allah Hoo EP
Label: Wind Horse Records
Catalog Number: WHR003




To listen to previews of tracks from Hamza's Allah Hoo EP click HERE.

Acclaimed New Delhi-based producer Hamza, building on the buzz created by his innovative Sufi Soul and Dusk Til Dawn EPs, now presents the ambitious and collaborative Allah Hoo EP on Wind Horse Records. Hamza's musical mission has been to seamlessly merge floor-driving tech-house styles with a reverent helping of more traditional south Asian influences. For this musical set Hamza further delves into the musical inspiration of his Indian home and enlists the vocal prowess of two of India's most renowned talents, Jasbir Jassi and Sunanda Sharma.

Jasbir Jassi is one of the best known contemporary Punjabi singers, lending his voice to a number of films, several albums, and thousands of international concert performances. Sunanda Sharma is a beloved Hindustani classical vocalist whose music has a decidedly spiritual element, performing for many Indian gurus. Together these musicians apply their gifts to “Allah Hoo,“ an expansive musical ride produced and programmed by Hamza.

To refer to an elaborate recording as a 'journey' is often seen as cliché, but with “Allah Hoo” the description is apt. The opening tabla-led percussion is quickly joined by more synthetic rhythms as chiming keys and atmospheric sounds come into play. The lovely voice of Sunanda Sharma enters immediately creating an exotic and beautiful tone. As the house music bed slowly builds and expands Jasbir Jassi accompanies Sharma surprisingly revealing this song as a powerful duet of these strong voices. Dancefloors will not be disappointed as the beats are insistent, and the sonic quality will compliment the best club sound systems. Simply put, this is a masterpiece.

For “Mahi We,“ the companion track on the EP, Hamza continues his collaboration with Jasbir Jassi for a more concentrated deep house expedition. The percussion and rhythm is downplayed to add more focus to Jassi's fantastic intonations. Spacious pads and a subdued, but funky, bassline further buttress the thoughtful mood of the track. These elements, along with the somewhat dark but dreamy feel over static beats, make this song a must for the deepest of tech-tinged house music sets.

With the Allah Aloo EP Hamza Rahimtula, a pioneer of the house music scene in India, continues to prove himself as one of the more innovative house music producers working today. In this collaboration with Indian musical giants Jasbir Jassi and Sunanda Sharma Wind Horse Records and Hamza continue to turn heads and move dancefloors with their expressive house music sounds. An exciting set of possibilities lie ahead for this masterful producer and the Wind Horse imprint. Stay tuned.

Quentin Harris - “Love it! Very dark and has a great afterhours feel to it.”
Hector Romero - “I'm really feeling this and can't wait to play it out.”
Da Funk - “i like this! It's different and the deepness mixed up with the indian chants is a welcome combination.”
DJ Phil T (DJ Times Mag) - “This has a deep and cerebral vibe with soul.”
Pathaan (BBC Radio 1) - “Love it! Will support and spread the word. I'm liking the arrangement and quality production.”
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - “I'm loving Hamza's sound on a personal level. Very emotive and the Indian vocals and instrumentation are perfect for house music. It's all quite Balearic and probably massive for forthcoming Ibiza season.”

Additional support from John Digweed, Dubfire, Dave Mothersole, Benji Candelario, Claudio Coccoluto, Gavin Hardkiss, and MastikSoul

Available now from Beatport / Traxsource / Juno Download

For more information: www.hamzarahimtula.com