And this article is for you...
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Mekaal's thoughts on Junoon
History
I have known Junoon since the days of Parvaaz (which was recorded at my studio Digital Fidelity ) and was immediately impressed by their work ethic and discipline. These guys would work tirelessly around the clock for 12 hours at a stretch every day for a month without a break!** Through the years that followed, I would hear often from Salman and Ali and when the opportunity presented itself I would often find myself hanging out with Ali on my trips to Karachi.
Thoughts on Salman
Sal is a visionary who knows how to get the best out of people. He has tremendous drive and energy and his determination to go the extra mile for Junoon is the key to this band's continued success. He is also a master songwriter and his writing has given this nation many enduring classics which have provided the inspiration for the blossoming music scene today. Salman is also a very learned man and his knowledge has enabled our younger generation to gain an insight into our cultural treasure troves though renditions of bulleh shah's works and shah hussian's kaafi's. His keen political and social acumen gives Junoon's music a relevance and potency which enables Junoon to stay fresh and keeping moving forward.
Thoughts on Ali
Ali (or Butt sahib) is a power house singer who is a great performer and entertainer. He is also a very gifted songwriter and his collaborations with Salman have resulted in some classic tunes being born. Ali has the ability to win over an audience through his energy and charisma and is the ideal lead singer for a powerful band like Junoon. His stage presence and vibe makes a Junoon show unmissable and there is no other performer like him around. I am really looking forward to being onstage with Ali and experiencing his magic at work in the music we will be making.
Junoon's Support
When Mekaal Hasan Band launched Sampooran in 2004, Ali was there for our launch shows (not for just one but he came again on our second concert to show his support for M
HB ). **To date Junoon is the only band who has gone on record supporting lesser known acts and musicians and their generosity is most heart warming and shows their stature as people and musicians.
Salman's vociferous support for my own work and my band helped us gain a more recepetive audience not just in Pakistan but overseas as well. **
Bottom Line
Junoon are the pioneers of rock in Pakistan (indeed South Asia) and I am honoured that they thought enough of me to ask me to join them. I am looking forward to playing with an incredibly energetic and charismatic band and helping deliver their music to the best of my abilities.
Mekaal Bio
One of Pakistan's most respected artists, Mekaal Hasan was surrounded by music from childhood. His father's passion for jazz influenced him throughout his early years. After graduating from Government College, Lahore, Mekaal studied music at the Berklee College of Music, Boston and his stay there exposed him to a wide variety of music and musicians, many of whom are influences to this day. Returning to Pakistan in 1995, he set up a state of the art recording facility, Digital Fidelity Studios where many of the top artists of Pakistan record with Mekaal as producer and engineer. Apart from his recording and engineering skills, Mekaal Hasan is also an acclaimed guitarist and composer and formed The Mekaal Hasan Band towards the end of 2000. Their debut album,Sampooran, was released to great critical acclaim in 2004.*
Courtesy Junoon/Mekaal Hassan Official Websites