We were at Kayvan and Maryam Alikhani's place in Sausolito (north of San Francisco) feasting on BBQ kubideh and chicken kababs for lunch when someone said, "Would anyone like to hear the azaan?"

Then the sound filled the room. But this was not just any azaan. Not only was it the most beautiful I've ever heard (frequently played on Iranian radio and TV for decades), but it had been mixed with sounds from modern instruments.

I immediately asked if I could borrow Mohammadreza Aligholi's "Earth Whisper" (2001 Hermes Records, Tehran) CD to feature it here. The 15 tracks are a trip...

***

Mohammadreza Aligholi, 41, began studying music at age 14 with the Bulgarian master Wanku Najdnof. Four years later he made his first compositions for TV series and stage acts.

Aligholi has composed more than 140 film soundtracks. His work on "Narges" won him a Best Soundtrack Award at the 10th Fajr film festival. -- CD inside cover