Beloved was formed in 1998 by LuAnne Hightower (vocals, frame drum, tanpura) and David Seidel (acoustic guitar and electric bass), who bring their unique interpretation of traditional Sufi songs from world cultures and present their own original expressions of the mystical heart of Islam. They are joined by Ustad Humayun Farzad Khan (vocals, harmonium), Cybele (vocals, sarangi, tanpura), and Shankar (tablas), Fred Stubbs (ney), and Todd Roach (hand drums). Beloved is a unique blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions and features soul-stirring vocals and harmonies, soaring instrumentals, and haunting melodies that express the longing of humanity for union with Divine Love. Islam has a long and rich musical tradition representing every culture across the Middle East and Africa and Asia, using the words of their most renown Sufi poets and their most beloved prayers.
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