After much anticipation and a long wait for the patrons, Dya Singh unleashes another mesmerizing collection that’s a combination of soul-searching melodies and pulsating compositions. ‘Asa Di Var’ – the latest by this pioneer of Sikh rhythms in world music, is an immaculate possession for the die-hard World Music aficionado.

Based on a collection of pauris (stanzas) written by the founder of Sikhism, ‘Asa Di Var’ has in the true sense reflects the group’s collective strength and a versatile and vibrant approach.

An added attraction with this outstanding 2-CD pack is that it comes along with a special booklet (prayer book) that has translations of the hymns in English, making it easier for everyone to relate to the depth and significance of the subject mater the lyrics contain. The booklet imbibes the essence of Gurbani (the word of God) and is ethnically wrapped in a velvet 'romalla' with a khanda of gold embossed on it – turning out to be a perfect collectors’ treasure.

‘Asa Di Var’ is basically the raga of pre-dawn hours and this album convincingly captures the delicate and serenading mood of the dawn. In this collection, Dya Singh has encapsulated over ten voices at a time including four tabla and dholki players along with the regular set-up of musicians. This album, which took almost two years in the making, includes astounding use of the dilruba, mandolin and guitar. Hypnotic and yet at the same time eye-opening, this extraordinary piece of music is an ode that’s sure to resonate in your ears… even long after you’ve had a heart-fill of it.