JALAL ZOLFONUN: TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM IRAN
Kord Bayat

Jalal Zolfonun, master of the setar (four stringed long-necked lute), comes from a musical family and is well renowned as musician, teacher and researcher in his native Iran. Kord Bayat is an entrancing recording of Persian Classical Music, permeated with a mystical and contemplative quality. Vibrant and soothing, much of the music is structured around rhythms similar to that of poetic speech. Jalal is accompanied by his son Soheil Zolfonun on setar and Bijan Zangeneh on def (frame drum) and dumbek (hourglass drum). Kord Bayat is one of the few Persian classical recordings available on an American label. A must for string music lovers. (MOW 134)

MYSTIC JOURNEY
Jalal and Soheil Zolfonun

Jalal and Soheil Zolfonun rank among the most accomplished performers on the four string Persian lute called setar. This recording features both masters performing in timeless string duets, and other songs feature drum and occasional vocals. The music is passionate, mystical and engaging, and includes Persian classical melodies as well as modern compositions and setar improvisations. Informative notes on the songs and the music tradition are enclosed. (MOW 155)