For almost six decades, the now 78-year-old Benju master was just a legendary name in his homeland of Baluchistan, before the rest of the world stumbled upon his virtuoso, life-giving play on the unique folk instrument. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking nature of Baluchistan and a repertoire influenced by both Persian melodies and Bollywood songs, he takes the stage at ALICE during this year’s Copenhagen Jazz Festival.

Ustad Noor Bakhsh has a history like few others. For almost six decades, the now 78-year-old Benju master was a legendary name in Baluchistan – the picturesque region located in the borderlands between Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan – before he was approached by a Pakistani anthropologist who had heard of him by chance. Noor Bakhsh’s rare talent on the Baluchi folk instrument Benju, resembling a zither with keys instead of strings, quickly propelled him onto the international music scene where he now enjoys recognition and enthusiasm from audiences around the world.

At the age of 12, Ustad Noor Bakhsh picked up the distinctive folk instrument for the first time. Since then, he has developed and refined his style, combining the legacy of his master teachers and inspirations such as Bilawal Belgium and Misri Khan Jamali with traditions and musical forms that extend far beyond the borders of Baluchistan. Noor Bakhsh plays the electric Benju and has a repertoire that beautifully embraces several musical currents that have flowed through his country over time. Here, Persian and Kurdish melodies are heard, along with Arab ghazal and Sindhi, but also several Bollywood songs. In addition to his broad repertoire, Noor Bakhsh also has several original compositions, often inspired by birdsong and the magnificent nature of Baluchistan.

For listeners unfamiliar with Baluchi music, Ustad Noor Baksh’s electric Benju and his melodic ornamentation will remind them of Ali Farka Touré, and the polyrhythmic nature of the music is both danceable and incredibly life-giving. Since his debut “Jingul” was released on Hive Mind Records in 2022, Noor Baksh has toured far and wide, including a beautiful concert at the Roskilde Festival last year. Now, it’s finally time for ALICE to present the Baluchi Benju master during this year’s Copenhagen Jazz Festival.

The concert is part of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2024, taking place from June 5th to July 14th at 120 venues throughout the capital. See the program at www.jazz.dk

ALICE at Stairway
While the concert hall at Nørre Allé 7 is undergoing renovation, ALICE is located at the music venue Stairway in Vanløse.