Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Connects On Spiritual Level

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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, 8 p.m. Saturday, Paramount Theatre; $25-$75; 628-0888.

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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is one of the most popular singers in the world. He has recorded more than 150 albums and sold millions of copies worldwide, yet remains relatively unknown in America. In fact, the most that Western listeners might know about him is that he sang on the "Dead Man Walking" movie soundtrack with Eddie Vedder. Still, that could be introduction enough.

One of the most interesting aspects of the recent Dead Can Dance concert at the Paramount was that the listener could connect to the music while understanding little or nothing of the lyrics. It was the sound, the melody, the rhythm and conviction with which the singers presented their songs that made them so compelling.

Khan connects on the same level, although often on a more spiritual one. The Pakistani singer is widely considered to be the leading performer of Qawwali, the devotional music of the South Asian Sufis of the Chisti order. It is powerful, often improvised music and a central element of worship of pilgrims who travel to the Sufi shrines. The music frequently builds to high, ecstatic peaks, and worshipers are often said to be transported to a more spiritual plane.

In Pakistan, Khan's singing is referred to as "the voice of

God." He is, in fact, an amazing vocalist who covers a wide range with enormous feeling. It's difficult to not become caught up in his music even when hearing it for the first time.

Khan recently signed a contract with American Records, the label owned by Rick Rubin and better known for its rap recordings. But Rubin has been exploring other music idioms lately and has recorded English folk singer Donovan and country icon Johnny Cash.

"Nusrat is a powerful and charismatic performer," Rubin has said. "I want to try and help him make the best records I can." In addition to releasing the Pakistan-recorded "Holy Prophet" album in September, the producer plans to record a new solo album by Khan and a collection of duets with Khan and other artists.

The Khan/Vedder collaboration on the "Dead Man Walking" CD is possibly the most intriguing aspect of that work and a good introduction to Qawwali. No matter how Khan presents his music, Saturday night should be amazing and inspiring.