THE SHADOW MAJLIS

BIOGRAPHY

BY ILKER YUCEL (REGEN MAGAZINE)

Whether as a member of David J's live band or playing rock-sitar for Pigface, Ali Jafri has spent the past several years cultivating a multi-cultural artistic and musical vision. Now, he's bringing that vision further to fruition with The Shadow Majlis. If one looks up the word "Majlis," one finds its Arabic and Semitic roots to describe social or religious gatherings - commonly translating to "sitting room." This sparks some impressive connotations for The Shadow Majlis - presiding from the shadows, watching and guiding the audience towards deeper spiritual understanding and fulfillment. From tragedy is often sprung the most poignant and powerful artistic output, and The Shadow Majlis is no exception: The project was formed by Jafri in the wake of the loss of his seven-year-old son Oisín after a nine-month-long battle with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, as well as the dissolution of his relationship. Recovering from such a devastating turn of events is no simple task, but with The Shadow Majlis and the band's forthcoming debut album, The Departure, Jafri not only repairs his own soul, but offers us an alternative sonic reality in which we can all find solace and relief. Fusing elements of Eastern modes with post-punk and rock, The Departure immerses listeners in an alternative neo-global style that transcends national and stylistic borders, The Departure is as its title suggests - a departure from the norm, a journey into something other, where there are no limits, and inclusion is all.


Joining Jafri on this dais is three-time Grammy Award winner David Bottrill, whose credits include the likes of Peter Gabriel, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, TOOL, Mastodon, Brian Eno, Michael Brook, Daniel Lanois, and many more. "With the inspiration of his son's passing, he told me he wanted to createsomething to honor Oisin as well as cathartically express his experience," Bottrill explains, "It was not
to be traditional but experimental, incorporating his industrial sensibility, but also with an international flavor." With Bottrill responsible for production and mix, and engineering the album with Darren McGill, he goes on to say, "The emotion was all Ali, and with his raw lyrics and strong melodies over the top of dark and beautifully gut-wrenching tracks, we hope we have created something both passionate and heartfelt that can reach others either suffering loss or grief, or conversely experiencing elation or
euphoria as we believe it can touch either."


Also accompanying Jafri and Bottrill for The Departure is the legendary David J. (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) and drummer/percussionist Rakesh Tewari (Jaffa Road, The Special Interest Group), along with guest performances by the likes of guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite (The Mission, Peter Murphy, MGT, Tricky, Gary Numan), cellist Anne Bourne (Loreena McKennitt, Jane Siberry), vocalist Olena Tsybulska (DakhaBrakha, Khmeleva Project), Tuvan throat singer Soriah, and a host of multinational artists and family members, with mastering by Noah Mintz. Calling the album a powerful achievement, David J. says, "I believe that there are certain tracks and moments that act as portals into another dimension - I'm not being fanciful here!"

The Departure by The Shadow Majlis

    The Departure by The Shadow Majlis

    A 10 song collection Mixed and Produced by 3x Grammy Winner David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, TOOL, Mastodon, Smashing Pumpkin, David Sylvian, Placebo, Muse, Michael Brook)

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    $10.00

    Frequently purchased together

    The Departure by The Shadow Majlis
    The Departure Poster
    $10.00
    The Departure Poster

      The Departure Poster

      11 x 17 Full Colour Poster. Designed by Stephen Seto

      Signed

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      $5.00
      The Departure - LTD Edition Blue Vinyl (1 of 125)

        The Departure - LTD Edition Blue Vinyl (1 of 125)

        Drawing deeply from a palette of post-punk ethos, darkwave moods, and the vibrant textures of world fusion, "The Departure" by The Shadow Majlis is an album that ventures into new auditory territories, meticulously Read more

        Drawing deeply from a palette of post-punk ethos, darkwave moods, and the vibrant textures of world fusion, "The Departure" by The Shadow Majlis is an album that ventures into new auditory territories, meticulously blending entrancing rhythms with an undercurrent of profound emotional narratives. Building upon the foundation laid by frontman Ali's introspection and the band's eclectic musical backgrounds, this record serves as both a journey and a testament — marking not only a departure from conventional music landscapes but also exploring the themes of loss, resilience, and the immutable quest for meaning amidst chaos.

        "The Departure" emerges as a pivotal moment for The Shadow Majlis, encapsulating the cathartic process of creating art from the ashes of personal adversity . The album reverberates with the echoes of Ali's emotional odyssey, inspired by real-life events that stretch the sinews of the soul, compelling him and his bandmates to delve into the depths of sorrow and emerge with a sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and profoundly resonant . Featuring collaborations that add layers of depth and texture, the album manifests as a bridge between worlds — where the global influence of music meets the introspective corners of the heart to create something truly transcendent.

        From the gripping narratives encapsulated in tracks like “Deer in the Headlights” to the thrilling anticipation painted in the announcements of its vinyl release, "The Departure" is not just an album but an experience — one that invites listeners to partake in its intimate recollection and celebration of life's inconstant journey. Each chord, melody, and lyric within this album is a chapter, unfolding stories that resonate with the shared human experiences of struggle, discovery, and, ultimately, liberation.

        Recorded in the wake of major loss and personal upheaval, amidst the seismic shifts of the band's evolutionary sound, "The Departure" also mirrors the unpredictable nature of existence — reminding us that in the face of upheaval, music remains a steadfast sanctuary for the spirit . The Shadow Majlis, through their innovative fusion and raw storytelling, invites listeners to embark on this auditory voyage — to find solace in the shadows and to witness the dawning of new horizons beyond the departure.

        In essence, "The Departure" stands as a beacon of artistic growth and emotional resilience, marking a new era for The Shadow Majlis and etching an indelible mark on the global music canvas. This album not only showcases the band's ability to navigate and weave through the complexities of genre and emotion but also solidifies their place as torchbearers of a new, immersive sound experience — one that is as globally conscious as it is deeply personal.

        In cart Not available Out of stock
        $39.99

        Frequently purchased together

        The Departure - LTD Edition Blue Vinyl (1 of 125)
        The Departure - CD
        Socket-Interface Custom Tshirt by Ali Jafri
        The Departure Poster
        $39.99
        $15.00
        The Departure - Black Vinyl

          The Departure - Black Vinyl

          Drawing deeply from a palette of post-punk ethos, darkwave moods, and the vibrant textures of world fusion, "The Departure" by The Shadow Majlis is an album that ventures into new auditory territories, meticulously Read more

          Drawing deeply from a palette of post-punk ethos, darkwave moods, and the vibrant textures of world fusion, "The Departure" by The Shadow Majlis is an album that ventures into new auditory territories, meticulously blending entrancing rhythms with an undercurrent of profound emotional narratives. Building upon the foundation laid by frontman Ali's introspection and the band's eclectic musical backgrounds, this record serves as both a journey and a testament — marking not only a departure from conventional music landscapes but also exploring the themes of loss, resilience, and the immutable quest for meaning amidst chaos.

          "The Departure" emerges as a pivotal moment for The Shadow Majlis, encapsulating the cathartic process of creating art from the ashes of personal adversity . The album reverberates with the echoes of Ali's emotional odyssey, inspired by real-life events that stretch the sinews of the soul, compelling him and his bandmates to delve into the depths of sorrow and emerge with a sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and profoundly resonant . Featuring collaborations that add layers of depth and texture, the album manifests as a bridge between worlds — where the global influence of music meets the introspective corners of the heart to create something truly transcendent.

          From the gripping narratives encapsulated in tracks like “Deer in the Headlights” to the thrilling anticipation painted in the announcements of its vinyl release, "The Departure" is not just an album but an experience — one that invites listeners to partake in its intimate recollection and celebration of life's inconstant journey. Each chord, melody, and lyric within this album is a chapter, unfolding stories that resonate with the shared human experiences of struggle, discovery, and, ultimately, liberation.

          Recorded in the wake of major loss and personal upheaval, amidst the seismic shifts of the band's evolutionary sound, "The Departure" also mirrors the unpredictable nature of existence — reminding us that in the face of upheaval, music remains a steadfast sanctuary for the spirit . The Shadow Majlis, through their innovative fusion and raw storytelling, invites listeners to embark on this auditory voyage — to find solace in the shadows and to witness the dawning of new horizons beyond the departure.

          In essence, "The Departure" stands as a beacon of artistic growth and emotional resilience, marking a new era for The Shadow Majlis and etching an indelible mark on the global music canvas. This album not only showcases the band's ability to navigate and weave through the complexities of genre and emotion but also solidifies their place as torchbearers of a new, immersive sound experience — one that is as globally conscious as it is deeply personal.

          In cart Not available Out of stock
          $29.99

          Frequently purchased together

          The Departure - Black Vinyl
          The Departure - CD
          Socket-Interface Custom Tshirt by Ali Jafri
          The Departure Poster
          $29.99
          $15.00
          the shadow majlis, neo-global music, ali jafri, justin minister, secondhand daylight, the departure

          Ali Jafri of the"Neo-Global Alternative" project The Shadow Majlis. Photo by Justin Minister