Ranjha

Published: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 4:02 am

Israeli Musician's New Album Explores Sufi Themes with Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood

A new album, "Ranjha," by Israeli musician Shye Ben Tzur, in collaboration with Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, delves into the core tenets of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. The album, a follow-up to their 2015 collaboration "Junun," explores themes of self-dissolution and the relationship between the individual and the divine.

Ben Tzur's journey into this spiritual realm began in 1996 when he was captivated by a performance of Indian classical music in Jerusalem. This experience led him to India, where he immersed himself in the culture, married into a Sufi family, and made the country his home for over a decade.

The album's title track, featuring Ben Tzur and the qawwali singers of the Rajasthan Express, draws inspiration from the 18th-century Punjabi poet Bulleh Shah. The lyrics, repeated throughout the chorus, reflect the Sufi concept of merging with the divine. The music aims to create a trance-like state, echoing the rhythmic chants of the ancient dhrupad tradition, which Ben Tzur studied under.

"Ranjha" was recorded with the same team as "Junun," including the addition of Tom Skinner on drums. The recording process took place in Greenwood's studio, a departure from the more rustic setting of their previous album. The music blends Hebrew, Urdu, and Hindi, alongside Greenwood's contributions on keyboard and bass guitar, with the traditional instruments of the Rajasthan Express. The album's compositions are rooted in the modal grammar of Hindustani classical music. Greenwood avoids imposing Western musical structures, allowing the arrangements to remain authentic.

The album features a variety of instruments, including the shehnai, trumpet, violin, and esraj, creating a rich tapestry of sound that bridges Eastern and Western musical traditions.

BNN's Perspective:

"Ranjha" offers a fascinating exploration of Sufi spirituality through a unique musical collaboration. The album's fusion of diverse musical traditions, led by Ben Tzur and Greenwood, creates a soundscape that is both innovative and respectful of its cultural roots. The project highlights the potential for cross-cultural understanding and artistic expression.

Keywords: Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood, Radiohead, Ranjha, Sufism, Indian classical music, qawwali, Rajasthan Express, Bulleh Shah, Hindustani classical music, music collaboration, album review, spiritual music, world music

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