For Kurdish Iranian musician Mohammad Mostafa Heydarian, the tanbur is not only his instrument of choice, it’s very much a part of his heart and soul.

Born in the city of Kermanshah, Iran, where the lute-like tanbur originated more than 5000 years ago, Heydarian was exposed to the instrument and its usage in sacred music at a very young age. During his youth, he learned the instrument from various master teachers. Eventually, he was also trained to craft his own tanburs, and truly began to know the stringed instrument inside and out.

In 2021, he released a debut album of improvised tanbur pieces that blended traditional elements of Kurdish and Persian music to great acclaim (it was a favorite of mine that year). Shortly after, he began the sessions for a follow up at Iran’s oldest recording studio, Bell Studio in Tehran. With a stronger focus on tighter compositions with dohool (cylinder drum) player Morteza Rezâei in tow, Heydarian recorded much of this new LP in a single take.

The resulting pieces are meditative instrumentals with hypnotic rhythms that you can easily submerge into, like a calm river, and be carried off by to a more peaceful state of mind. Each track is gentle, soothing and a blessing for the ears. The album title, Noor-e Vojood, translates to “the light of existence,” and it’s an apt name, as the music here feels greatly embedded with light and a passion for the beauty in the world around us. You can especially feel this vibe in the album’s first released track, “Bâyeh Bâyeh.” Give it a listen:

The album will be available digitally and on vinyl in a limited run through Centripetal Force (North America), Cardinal Fuzz (UK), and Radio Khiyaban (Europe). Preorders begin today, and its release is scheduled for March 7. Give the record a listen for yourself and embrace the light that is contained within.

-KH