[HANASHIR:5190] The (almost) truth about the orign of "Hallelu"

[Jeff Klepper <klepper...>]

> the "traditional" Kol Han'shama on Debbie's album is not, well,
> traditional, the tune comes from a pakistani sufi chant

Not really.  I checked it against the supposed influence, a contemporary
Sufi chant by the late Nusrat Fatah Ali Khan called "Allah Hoo".  The first
four "Hallelu's" (i.e. the song's opening four bars) echo the original
"Allah Hoo's" and then...that's it folks, both songs go their separate ways.
The only one who may know the true story of the song's origin is B.J.'s
Rabbi Rolando Matalon - maybe one of you has the full scoop.  One story has
the son of Rabbi Matalon's predecessor, the late Rabbi Marshall Meyer, as
the creator.  The beat of the song seems to be influenced, directly or
indirectly by Sufi rhythms.  In any event, Debbie Friedman learned it from
Rabbi Matalon and has taken it around the world - great song.  If you want
to get a taste of truly ecstatic devotional music (rhythmically sort of a
second cousin to midddle-eastern) check out some of Nusrat Fatah Ali Khan's
CDs.

Jeff Klepper

P.S. I haven't posted in awhile since I've been switching gears into
sabbatical mode here in the Berkshires.  In June my family and I are moving
to Boston where my wife, Deeana, will teach in the Religion Dept. at Boston
University.  I'm sure I'll see many of you New Englanders along the way.
Also looking forward to Hava Nashira and Caje.   Please send any messages or
responses privately.  Thanks.

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