If you're a Muslim in America and miss having music as a form of      religious and spiritual expression, then this CD, Islamic Hymns -  Celebration of Life is for you. 

 As a pianist trained in the classical tradition I decided to create  compositions in this genre and with vocal arrangements much like a  church choir. The big difference is that the lyrical content is in  English, lyrics adapted from the Quran, Prophet Muhammad's prayer,  Rumi and Rabia Basri. 

1. Prayer of Light: Lyrics adapted from Prophet Muhammad’s prayer
2. The Fatihah: Translation adapted from Sir Richard Burton
3. Come Come: Lyrics adapted from Rumi
4. In My Soul: Lyrics adapted from Rabi’a Basri
5. Song for Allah: Lyrics adapted from Rabi’a Basri

All songs written, arranged and produced by George Landress at Emily’s Basement Recordings (Golden Rule Music, ASCAP) and Ani Zonneveld at 2bz Productions (ZuZuBeat Music, SESAC).

Backing vocals: Michael Mishaw, Ani Zonneveld.

Backing vocal arrangements: Michael Mishaw.

Recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by George Landress at Emily’s Basement, Los Angeles.

Cover: Original artwork by Salma Arastu titled "Celebration of Life V". http://www.salmaarastu.com.

Thank you to my friends George, Michael and Salma who made this project look and sound awesome!

Purchase your copy of the CD at CDBaby.

I'm very proud of this CD! It is an organic blend of many faith traditions from Buddhist, Jewish, Christian and Islam. Guests on the cd include Rev. Noriaki Ito, Rabbi Naomi Levy (the 50th most influential Rabbi in America!) and The Kominas. Songs include "Welcome Song" a Buddhist chant over a Native American drumming, a Jewish-Muslim song called "Oneness of God"; a Christian song I wrote called "Kyrie Eleison". "My Favorite Passages" is an ensemble of translations of my favorite passages from the Quran set to music with a gospel vocal arrangement. This CD is a great way of reminding each other of our spiritual/religious roots. A great gift for yourself and for family and friends. Thank you for helping me spread the word of peace!

This CD is out of stock but you can buy individual tracks as downloads at

I-Tunes  or CdBaby

2005: The first English Islamic Pop album in the U.S. Good messages with a beat. I also did the beats, programming and production myself! Not bad for chic eh!

I-Tunes or CDBaby