I was working with Michael Jackson: Adnan Sami

Mumbai, June 27 (IANS) Singer Adnan Sami is crestfallen following Michael Jackson's death not only because the world has lost its King of Pop but also because he was working with the superstar and his sister Janet Jackson on an album.

'I was working on an album with Janet and Michael Jackson. I'm producing and composing the album. But now I wonder what happens to it!' said Adnan.

Describing Michael, whom Adnan met a number of times for the album as a childlike genius, the Pakistani origin singer said: 'His life was troubled. But his music was his solace. Artists who suffer always seek an escape route in their art. Ask me, I should know.'

When Adnan first received a phone call from Michael and the Jackson brothers they discussed Adnan's music in detail.

'The Jacksons knew every detail about my songs. They had studied my music in detail. I listened quietly to them talk about my music. These were the same guys whose music I grew up (with).'

How did the collaboration with the Jacksons happen?

'Michael's brother Jermaine's wife Halima is from Afghanistan. For some time she lived in Chandigarh. She got acquainted with my music while in India and she took my music to LA and introduced her husband to it. And then Jermaine introduced Michael and Janet to my music,' Adnan said.

Adnan had three meetings with the Jacksons in Los Angeles.

'It was progressing slowly. They like to work at their own pace. No hurry. The album is like Motown music-meets-world music-meets-Indian music. I've brought the Sarangi and the tabla-dholak into their music,' he revealed.

Speaking of the Jacksons, Adnan said: 'They're very humble people. Always attentive to what I say, always open to innovations and suggestions. They recognised a component in my musical style, and that is this - I really like strong base lines in my songs. What they don't know is that's something I learnt from the music of the Jacksons.'

'I can't believe I'm actually working with the Jacksons. Without Michael it won't be the same. We've completed four songs...I'm really enjoying this. I realise I enjoy playback singing. But the independent albums are where I'm totally able to express myself,' he added.