Abba God's Greatest Gift to Us

Abba-God's Greatest Gift to Us is a reflection of the Bangash family in tradition and in transition. Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash- the two sons of the sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, and promising players themselves, look at their father's life with deference, humility and great love. In a world where traditional culture is often considered passé. It is refreshing to come across a family which upholds traditional values, amalgamated though they may be with modern thinking and an urbane sophistication.

Making no bones about the constant balance they strive to achieve in separating the father from the guru, the Bangash brothers tell of their father's struggles, his emotional conflicts, the betrayals he faced, his secular approach to life .. Interesting vignettes of the maestro's interaction with people-famous and ordinary, indulgent cameos of his fads and foibles. Jungian examples of how the man is ruled by his heart-such are the visible vibrations of the life of a man as seen by his progeny.

This biography differs from others about him in that his life has been put under a microscope by his sons. Herein lies a tale charged with emotion, objective judgment, curiosity and above all, an unflinching faith in a father and guru.

About the Author

Amaan Ali Bangash the elder son and disciple of sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and grandson of Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan belongs to the seventh generation in an unbroken chain of the senia-Bangash School. Amaan began his public performances at the age of ten. He is today. Considered one of the finest young sarod players, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, London; Palais Beaux-Arts in Brussels; Kennedy Centre, Washington D. C. St. James Palace and the Royal Festivals Hall in London.

Ayaan Ali Bangash is the younger son and disciple of sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan. After giving his solo debut at eight years of age, Ayaan has been performing worldwide, giving many solo performances and assisting his illustrations father at concerts all over the world. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, London; Palais Beaux-Arts in Brussels; the summer Arts Festival in Seattle; St. James Palace and the Royal Festival Hall in London.