KAYHAN KALHOR · ERDAL ERZINCAN — Kula Kulluk Yakişir Mı (2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It has been nearly a decade since Kayhan Kalhor and Erdal Erzincan recorded The Wind for ECM. During that long interval, the pair have played together so often, they appear to have perfected a musical language that walks not only between various musical traditions but through them simultaneously, coming through the other side with something timeless. Kalhor is an Iranian master of the kamancheh (spike fiddle). He has a relentlessly mercurial musical mind. It's been displayed not only in his work as a solo artist, with the duo Ghazal, and the ensemble Dastan, but also in Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble. Erzincan is regarded as the greatest living practitioner of the Anatolian baglama tradition (it is also called a saz, a long-necked lute type of instrument), and like his partner here, possesses a wildly adventurous spirit, not only in moving from Turkish folk and Western classical traditions with seamless ease, but also as an improviser. Kula Kulluk Yakisir Mi was recorded live in 2011. Its title is taken from the folk song by the late prolific Turkish folk musician Muhlis Akarsu. It translates loosely as "How unseemly it is to follow anyone slavishly." Other than this duo's glorious version of that song and a thematic reprise of "The Wind," everything here is either built upon -- but never stays chained to -- traditional folk songs or consists of outright improvisations that come from nothing, engage both Persian and Turkish folk traditions, and emerge as a deeply emotional music that is unclassifiable. While everything here feels like it is of a piece -- the performance never seems to stop -- it doesn't necessarily sound like it. There are poignant silences within these arrangements, where the individual or paired instruments resonate as if to underscore meaning, either directly intended by a piece or intuited from it -- check the two-minute mark of the traditional "Alli Turnam," where the theme trails off, is followed by a naturally echoing space, and then turns back on itself to speak of the troublesome historical present even as it addresses a more innocent past. None of the five improvisations here reaches four minutes. The degree of intuitive interplay is so high, it is almost impossible not to regard these as formal works. They are informed by the traditional songs that precede them and foreshadow those that follow, as they shift and transform songs into sounds that are both beguilingly strange and ancient -- familiar in the body's cellular memory and in the heart's present moment. The final nine minutes, entitled "Intertwining Melodies," weave four traditional songs and become an extended improvisation upon them all, even as they are united in one flowing river of sound, history, and mystery. Kula Kulluk Yakisir Mi is outstanding for its depth and truly masterful execution, but more than this, it is revelatory in the way it connects players to one another inside the music, and listeners to both musicians and sound, as it evokes emotions that are far beyond the reach of words. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1.    Improvisation I    5:24
2.    Allı Turnam 5:42
 -Traditional
3.    Improvisation II    3:23
4.    Deli Derviş 4:10
 -Traditional
5.    Daldalan Barı 6:18
 -Traditional
6.    Improvisation III    2:59
7.    Kula Kulluk Yakışır Mı 8:57
Composed By – Muhlis Akarsu
8.    Improvisation IV    3:44
9.    Improvisation V    2:14
10.    The Wind 7:31
Composed By – Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor
11.    Intertwining Melodies    9:13
11.1    Sivas Halayı
 -Traditional
11.2    Mevlam Birçok Dert Vermiş
 -Traditional
11.3    Erik Dalı Gevrektir
 -Traditional
11.4    Gol Nishan
 -Traditional
Credits :
Arranged By – Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor
Baglama – Erdal Erzincan
Kemenche [Kamancheh] – Kayhan Kalhor

AL ANDALUZ PROJECT — Salam (2013) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Salam is the title of the third studio album by the Al Andaluz Project. The 8 musicians from Germany, Spain and Morocco have already recorded the results of their search, research and interpretation of the music of the three religions on their previous albums. Here you will find the three religions in their full splendor as well as connections to other styles that have been influenced and enriched by them. An extraordinary project which, with musical brilliance at the highest technical level, makes the vision of the peaceful coexistence of the three dominant cultures of our time a reality. Al Andaluz Project
Tracklist :
1.    Esterika Sefardi 4:16
Music By – Traditional Sephardic
2.    Nawba Raml, Maya, Ritmo Btayhi 2:19
Music By – Traditional Arabo-Andalusian
3.        La Mar 4:48
Music By – Raimbaut De Vaqueiras
4.        Kantiga Del Fuego 4:07
Music By – Traditional Sephardic
5.        Afdahil Dabian Ibtassam 4:17
Music By – Traditional Arabo-Andalusian
6.        Amors Mard / Arafto Lhawa Mod Arafto Hawak 6:01
Music By – Anonymous Trubadour, Rabiaa Al Adawia
7.        Petenera 5:43
Music By – Traditional Valencian
8.        Amoulati 3:58
Music By – Traditional Tetuanean
9.        Chansonet 4:58
Music By – Guiraut de Bornelh
10.        El Rey De Fransia 4:33
Music By – Traditional Sephardic
11.        Intro Instrumental Samai Higaz    2:55 
12        Madre De Deus (Cantiga De Santa Maria, 13. Jhdt.)    2:33
13        Yo Me Levanti Un Leunes 2:54
Music By – Traditional Sephardic
14.        Mina Nawa (Maalouf Tunecino)    3:26
15        Un Castel / Improvisation Iman 6:10
Music By – Traditional Occitan
Credits :  
Baglama [Saz], Dilruba, Lute [Tar], Santoor, Harp, Sitar, Strings [Iklig], Art Direction, Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Michael Popp
Calligraphy – Hassan Massoudy
Flute, Voice – Sigrid Hausen
Hurdy Gurdy, Cittern [Citola], Lute [Lavta], Percussion – Jota Martinez
Hurdy Gurdy, Harmonium – Ernst Schwindl
Kanun, Oud, Baglama [Cura], Percussion – Aziz Samsaoui
Kaval – Milos Jakovljevic
Oboe [Gralla], Flute, Bagpipes, Crumhorn – Eduard Navarro
Percussion – Sascha Gotowtschikow
Percussion, Recorded By – Johann Bengen
Trombone – Cas Gevers
Voice – Iman Kandoussi, Mara Aranda

AL ANDALUZ PROJECT — Deus et Diabolus (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.        Morena    4:47
2.        A Virgen Mui Groriosa    5:24
3.        Nassam Alaina Lhawa 4:40
Lyrics By [Uncredited] – Rahbani Brothers
Music By [Uncredited] – Rahbani Brothers
4.        Pandero    3:34
5.        De Santa María    9:20
6.        Chamsse Lachia    4:47
7.        La Galana Y El Mar    5:12
8.        Gran Dereit    6:14
9.        Atiny Naya - Solo Iman 2:28
Lyrics By [Uncredited] – Khalil Gibran
Music By [Uncredited] – Najeeb Hankash
10.        Lluna    5:39
11.        Arracha Lfatan    4:47
12.        Las Suegras De Ahora    5:15
Credits :
Baglama [Saz], Oud, Fiddle, Producer, Mixed By – Michael Popp
Hurdy Gurdy, Nyckelharpa – Ernst Schwindl
Kanun – Aziz Samsaoui
Percussion – Sascha Gotowtschikow
Voice – Iman Kandoussi, Mara Aranda
Voice, Flute – Sigrid Hausen

BURHAN ÖÇAL & ISTANBUL ORIENTAL ENSEMBLE - Sultan's Secret Door (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1    Mahur Oriental    8:08
2    Nihavent Oriental    6:49
3    Nihavent Oyun Havasi    8:44
4    Roman II    7:47
5    Fasulye    6:18
6    Sultaniyegâh Sirto    14:48
7    Roxelana    5:54
8    Eve Dönüs    4:27
9    Ke Jati Den Ma To Les - Ta Lefta/Indim Havuz Basina 9:20
Guest [Guests] – Musicians of the group Prosechós
Credits:
Arranged By – Burhan Öçal (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7), Istanbul Oriental Ensemble (tracks: 3, 4), Prosechós (tracks: 9)
Clarinet, Performer [Zurna] – Ferdi Nadaz
Composed By – Burhan Öçal (tracks: 8), Istanbul Oriental Ensemble (tracks: 3, 4, 7), trad. (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9)
Cover – Franz Aumüller
Goblet Drum [Darbouka] – Ekrem Bağı
Kanun [Qanun] – Şahin Sert
Leader, Goblet Drum [Darbuka], Performer [Kös], Tambura [Tanbur], Baglama [Saz], Percussion [Percussions] – Burhan Öçal
Oud, Vocals – Hüseyin Bitmez
Painting [Cover] – Paul Louis Bouchard
Violin [Keman] – Fethi Tekyaygil

MICHAEL ASKILL & OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Fata Morgana (1995) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

 Tracklist:
1 - Desert Wind    1:39
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill
2 - Aman 3:43
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ghassan Barakat, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
3 - Distant Call And March Of The Janissaries 5:27
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos    
4 - Cool Water 4:25
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
5 - The Goldsmiths 3:14
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
6 - Ocean Dream 1 2:45
Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
7 - Sufi House 3:44
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ghassan Barakat, Ian Cleworth
8 - Boiling Water 4:17
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ghassan Barakat, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
9 - Fata Morgana 2:22
Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
10 - Ba-la-ma 4:06
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill
11 - Little Janissary March 2:55
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill
12 - Ocean Dream 2 2:11
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill
13 - Under Desert Stars 5:29
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
14 - From Emptiness 12:40
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill, Ghassan Barakat, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos
15 - Desert Winds 1:39
Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michael Askill
Credits :
Michael Askill - Arranger, Bells, Composer, Crotale, Cymbals, Djembe, Drums, Gong, Handclapping, Percussion, Producer, Temple Bowls, Thai Gong, Wah Wah Guitar
Ghassan Barakat - Darbouka, Drums
Ian Cleworth - Bells, Conch, Crotale, Cymbals, Drums, Drums (Bass), Glockenspiel, Gong, Marimba, Percussion, Thai Gong, Water Gong
Rebecca Lagos - Angklung, Bells, Darbouka, Djembe, Glockenspiel, Gong, Handclapping, Thai Gong, Triangle
Omar Faruk Tekbilek - Arranger, Baglama, Composer, Darbouka, Handclapping, Kaval, Kavala, Ney, Oud, Percussion, Vocals, Voices, Zurna

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK — Whirling (1994) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Whirling celebrates the melodies and rhythms of the Middle East. Famed instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek plays an impressive array of instruments, including the two he is most famous for: the ney flute and the lute-like baglama. He is joined by Brian Keane, who contributes splendid background on guitar and synthesizer, and Ara Dinkjian and Arto Tuncboyaciyan on a variety of Middle Eastern instruments. Hassan Isikkut provides vocals. Faruk, a well-known musician and composer in Turkey, is also an accomplished jazz musician, and this aspect of his musical abilities adds a subtle flavor to the pieces. AllMusic
Tracklist :
1    Whirling Dervish    10:40
 Traditional
2    Gawazi    6:12
 Omar Faruk Tekbilek
3    Love Respect Truth    7:09
 Arto Tuncboyaciyan
4    Old Man's Dance    4:36
 Ara Dinkjian
5    Long Wait    6:00
 Hassan Isikkut
6    Moments Of Doubt    5:19
 Brian Keane
7    Caspian Winds    4:40
 Omar Faruk Tekbilek
8    Fly Away    4:42
9    La Ilaha Il Allah    5:25
10    Sultan Of The Hearts    7:22
 Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Credits :
Bendir, Cymbal, Percussion, Percussion [Bottle], Vocals – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Featuring – Ara Dinkjian, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Brian Keane, Hassan Işikkut
Guitar, Synthesizer, Bass, Wind Chimes – Brian Keane
Kanun – Hassan Işikkut
Ney, Baglama, Zurna, Reeds [Mijwiz], Performer [Jura], Goblet Drum [Darbuka], Bendir, Tambourine, Accordion, Vocals – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Oud, Cümbüş [Sazbush], Cümbüş, Bass – Ara Dinkjian
Producer – Brian Keane

RICHARD A. HAGOPIAN & OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Gypsy Fire (1994) Mp3

For those uninitiated in the music that accompanies the belly dance, or those who think that belly dancing music was issued exclusively on those cheesy 1960s long-players, go on to the next review unless you are willing to have your cultural misperceptions challenged. The title of this recording by the renowned oud wizard Richard Hagopian -- and his ensemble that includes the great zuna and ney player Omar Faruk Tekbilek and saxophonist Yuri Yukanov, among others -- says it all. Belly dancing music is the jazz of the East. This is music that relies on shifting, careening rhythms; complex melodic and modal figures; and plenty of improvisation to get both the stories in these songs across and the dancers where they need to be in order to reveal the narrative to an audience of one or hundreds. Unlike the early American jazzmen who had no choice but to play their music in whorehouses, these musicians have a time-honored tradition to present their artistry within. The music played here by Hagopian and company reflects not only history, but also innovation -- nothing here reeks of being worn or coming from antiquity. Each tune, whether an original or a folk tune, is approached as a unique entity, as a framework for musical and cultural re-visioning. And if one considers it, this music as it is, forged from Midddle Eastern, European, and Asian cultures, is perhaps the most progressive of all. For ten tracks, there is no let-up in the deeply satisfying, sensual pleasure of the atmospherics and textural wonders Mr. Hagopian and his crew weave, nor is there a lack of musical or aesthetic imagination. Gypsy Fire is pure, sophisticated pleasure. (This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist:
1    Rompi Rompi    4:06
2    Nihavent    4:46
3    Istemen Babacim    4:06
4    Kadife    5:50
5    Muhabbet    8:12
6    Minoush    3:34
7    Fincan    4:32
8    Konyali    2:31
9    Beledy    3:03
10    Siseler    4:59
Credits:
Ara Dinkjian - Guitar
Harold G. Hagopian - Producer, Violin
Richard Hagopian - Ud, Vocals
Hassan Isikkut - Kanun
Chris Marashlian - Bass
Omar Faruk Tekbilek - Composer, Ney, Producer, Zurna, etc ...
Arto Tuncboyaciyan - Percussion
Yuri Yunakov - Saxophone
Notas
'The Most Exciting Belly Dance Music Of The Century'

 

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Mystical Garden (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

 Tracklist:
1    Other Side Of The River    8:53
2    Magic Of The Evening    6:47
3    Laz    3:55
4    Shashkin    6:48
5    Hasret    8:53
6    Egyptian Dance    5:06
7    Three Last Words    8:33
8    Mystical Garden    7:07
9    Hu Allah    9:59
Credits:
Arranged By – Ara Dinkjian (tracks: 3), Brian Keane (tracks: 3), Omar Faruk Tekbilek (tracks: 4)
Composed By – Ara Dinkjian (tracks: 7), Arto Tuncboyaciyan (tracks: 1), Brian Keane (tracks: 2), Omar Faruk Tekbilek (tracks: 5, 6, 8, 9), Traditional (tracks: 3, 4)
Flugelhorn – Dan Pickering (tracks: 1)
Frame Drum, Shaker, Bells, Bendir, Finger Cymbals [Zil], Triangle, Guiro, Davul, Performer [Water Bowl] – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Guest [Natural Sounds Provided By] – Ira Spiegel
Guitar, Synthesizer, Arranged By [Arrangements], Bass, Percussion, Cymbal, Drums, Producer – Brian Keane
Kanun, Violin – Hassan Iṣikkut
Ney, Kaval [Kavala], Zurna, Baglama, Drum [Jura], Oud, Goblet Drum [Darbuka], Bendir, Tambourine, Davul, Finger Cymbals, Synthesizer, Vocals – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Oud, Cümbüş – Ara Dinkjian (tracks: 3, 5, 7)
Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan (tracks: 2)
Vocals – Arto Tuncboyaciyan (tracks: 1, 3, 7)
Notas
The cover illustration is "Autumn Landscape With Mountains And Trees" circa 1370, and attributed to kar-i mani. It is found today in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Crescent Moon (1998) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Crescent Moon is a set of diversely fluid desert ambience with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. Multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek created this massive soundscape with assistance from Brian Keane. Steve Roach also appears as a guest musician. This is a quirky crossover. Tekbilek mixes ambient atmospheres with touches of belly dance music. The result is a somewhat frenetic cloud of desert sand. The styles contrast and compliment each other. The soundscape is hot, arid, and tempestuous. It is an exotic sound design. This CD will appeal to fans of Jamshied Sharifi, Natacha Atlas, Sheila Chandra, and TUU. It is essential world music. by Jim Brenholts
Tracklist:
1    Crescent Moon    7:56
2    Yahel    6:57
3    Salute To The Sun    8:57
4    Tamzara    4:10
5    Baglama Delight    5:31
6    Hijaz Raks    4:59
7    Last Moments Of Love    4:56
8    Adanali    5:10
9    Azeri    7:23
10    Yunnus    10:12
Credits:
Composed By – Arto Tuncboyaciyan (tracks: 3), Keane (tracks: 3), Hasan Issikut (tracks: 7), Tekbilek (tracks: 3)
Composed By [All Compositions By] – Omar Faruk Tekbilek (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 10)
Musician [The Musicians:] – Ara Dinkjian, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Brian Keane, Hasan Isikutt, Nick Mouganis, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Steve Roach, Steve Tavelaris, Yuri Yunakov
Producer – Brian Keane

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - One Truth (1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Omar Faruk Tekbilek's One Truth continues his exploration of the mystical sounds of Sufism, blending Middle Eastern instruments like the ney flute and modern electronic textures into intense, intricate works. The album's songs of devotion showcase Tekbilek's technical skill as well as his intuitive understanding of this passionate and spiritual music. by Heather Phares
Tracklist:
1    Red Skies    6:42
2    I Love You    8:11
3    Wildflower    5:50
4    Manhem    5:52
5    Tahir Ranks    5:19
6    Roman    4:58
7    One Truth    6:59
8    Ara'ya    5:10
9    Sufi    9:31
10    Istanbul    6:30
Credits:
Arranged By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Yuval Ron
Backing Vocals – Azam Ali, Deniz Tekbilek, Pinar Tekbilek
Baglama, Bells, Bendir, Bongos, Goblet Drum [Darbuka], Daf, Djembe, Strings [Jura], Kaval, Keyboards, Ney, Oud, Cymbal [Rama], Shaker, Slit Drum, Snare, Tambourine, Finger Cymbals [Zils], Zurna, Voice – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Bendir, Bells, Shaker, Finger Cymbals, Percussion [Bottles] – Dror Sini
Cello – Kenan Torfeh
Drum – Tal Bergman
Electric Guitar – Mike Fonte
Flamenco Guitar – Adam Del Monte
Producer, Keyboards, Classical Guitar, Piano – Yuval Ron
Shaker, Overtone Voice – Randy Crafton
Sintir [Bass], Guitar [12-String] – Chris Cunningham
Toy Piano – Ian Nickus
Tracking By – Randy Crafton
Violin – Roberto Cani
Violin, Kanun – Hasan Isikkut 

OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK with STEVE SHERAN - Alif : Love Supreme (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The latest release from Turkish-Egyptian multi-instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek is all about love, and its sense of romance spills across all 12 tracks, from the lush "Gardener" to the heavy melodicism of "Lachin." The songs themselves are all traditional, but Tekbilek, a master of the flute known as the ney and many other instruments, brings a timeless sensibility to the music. While there's a definite Middle Eastern underpinning to everything, in part thanks to percussionist extraordinaire Steve Shehan, whose remarkable senses offer the muscle behind the music, the melodies are sometimes sweetened a little for Western consumption, as on "Forbidden Love," where the voices rest on clouds of synthesizer, and at times the feel is pan-Mediterranean, bringing in strains of Greek and Italian feel to the mix. There's nothing wrong with that at all, and its heart's in the right place. The love songs aren't all romance -- they're an exploration of the different forms of love, be it a love of life, or divine love (as exemplified by the epic title track, showing Tekbilek's Sufi upbringing), and Tekbilek brings in some excellent collaborators, both vocal and instrumental, including the flamenco guitar of José Rodrigues Muñoz, who brings in an influence that originated in North Africa before landing in Spain. The end result of all this is an album of beautiful songs, like the classic "Dark Eyes," performed with grace and sensitivity, and sometimes a sense of real adventure. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1    Dulger    5:54
2    Gardener    5:05
3    Laundry Girl    5:12
4    Dark Eyes 4:45
Composed By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Steve Shehan
5    Shinanay    5:50
6    Don't Cry My Love    4:54
7    Alif    10:01
8    Dadash    5:03
9    Take A Flight 5:16
Composed By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Steve Shehan
10    Ya Bouy 5:02
Composed By – Farid Al Atrash
11    Lachin    6:27
12    Forbidden Love 5:51
Composed By, Lyrics By – Ishay Amir
Lyrics By [Arabic Translation] – Yitshak Avi-Ezer
Vocals – Zehava Ben
Credits:
Arranged By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Steve Shehan
Producer, Orchestrated, Mixed By – Steve Shehan
Vocals,    Arranger, Baglama, Bendir, Composer, Darbouka, Def, Jura, Kaval, Kavala, Ney, Oud, Zurna – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Written By – Traditional (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 8, 11) 

BRIAN KEANE ft. OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Süleyman The Magnificent (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

  Suleyman the Magnificent, Keane's imaginative soundtrack to the documentary and traveling art exhibit on the Ottoman Empire, also features Tekbilek and several other Middle Eastern musical experts. by Linda Kohanov
Tracklist:
1    İstanbul'dan Görüntüler (Scenes Of Istanbul) 3:39
Written-By – Brian Keane
2    Göĝün Yedi Katı (Seven Spheres Of Heaven) 1:31
Written-By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
3    Egeli Gemici (Aegean Sailor) 2:41
Written-By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
4    Aya Sofya (Saint Sophia) 3:12
Written-By – Brian Keane
5    Uşşak Semai (Piece In 10/8) 3:27
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
6    Nihâvend Fantazi (Modal Fantasy) 1:30
Written-By – Dinçer Dalkılıç
7    Kuzeydeki Köy (Northern Village) 2:00
Written-By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
8    Topkapının Bahçesi (Garden At Topkapi) 1:54
Written-By – Brian Keane
9    Rast Medhal (Prelude In Rast Mode) 6:24
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
10    Süleymanın Öyküsü (The Story Of Süleyman) 2:00
Written-By – Brian Keane
11    Teke Zıplaması (Goat Jumper) 3:07
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
12    Mevlânâ (Whirling Dervishes) 3:49
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
13    Segâh Peşrevi (Prelude In Segah Mode) 5:09
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
14    Hicaz Taksim (Improvisation In Hicaz Mode) 1:13
Written-By – Emin Gündüz
15    Hicaz Peşrev (Prelude In Hicaz Mode) 2:14
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
16    Makber (Gates Of Heaven) 3:49
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional
17    İstanbul'dan Görüntüler (Scenes Of Istanbul/Reprise) 5:50
Written-By – Brian Keane
Credits:
Kanun – Emin Gündüz
Ney, Kaval, Baglama, Goblet Drum [Darbuka], Drums [Daire, Def], Vocals – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Producer, Score, Mixed By, Engineer – Brian Keane
Programmed By [Synthesizers] – Brian Keane, Joe Melotti, Nick Bariluk
Rabab, Lute [Tanbur], Ney, Percussion – Dinçer Dalkılıç
Synthesizer, Guitar, Kanun, Lute [Tanbur], Percussion – Brian Keane

 

BRIAN KEANE & OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Fire Dance (1990) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Fire Dance is a natural progression from Suleyman. A plethora of Middle Eastern and North African instruments has been blended with synthesizers, guitar, and sophisticated orchestrations. The focus of Fire Dance has been expanded beyond Turkey, to include music from North African, Egyptian, and other Middle Eastern and Arabic sources. This recording begins with the sound of the desert wind in Somewhere in the Sahara. Faruk's enchanted ney enters from the distance with flourishes of goat bells. Orchestrations sneak in and build to a guitar solo with lavish synthesizer effects. The whole track then dissolves into Oglan Boyun, as if we have traveled over a dune and discovered a village in celebration, surrounded by the vast desert. As Oglan Boyun ends, we are left with Faruk's haunting voice floating out of the wind in A Call to Prayer. This soulful segment gives way to a magical ney section orchestrated to depict a garden of earthly delights. Faruk's voice returns in a powerful whirlwind of sound, followed by the drifting Desert Twilight. Brian's guitar opens this melodic piece with a rich, peaceful introduction. Faruk enters on the ney in an expansive and warm tone, complemented in the bridge by the baglama, adding an Eastern flavor. The music fades, leaving the listener with serenely quiet beauty evoking the title, Desert Twilight. A Passage East is a showcase for both Faruk's impeccable percussion and Brian's superb guitar chops. In Song of the Pharaohs, the wind and Faruk's haunting ney return to create the mystical impression of the distant time of the ancient pharaohs' rule. Enchanted by elaborate orchestrations, flourishes of windchimes, the voices of strangers, distant horns, and synthesizers that seem to defy conventional spatial dimensions, this piece assumes a psychedelic atmosphere. Beledy introduces us to the zurna, an oboe-like instrument with a very distinctive Middle Eastern sound. This composition is in the Arabic style, featuring very strong passages. Fire Dance is an energetic piece that demonstrates why Tekbilek and Keane are at the forefront of their respective musicial fields and the magical fertility of their collaboration. Ask is a contemporary Middle Eastern standard showcasing Faruk's proficiency on the oud. Village Song is a traditional Turkish folk song in 9/8 meter featuring Faruk on percussion. Modern Mystics brings the two musicians/composers together, on ney and guitar, in a meditative setting. Sahara (Reprise), with Brian on guitar, was an out take that was too special to leave off this recording. Spirit of Ancestors shows a deep mystical side with Faruk's powerful, searching voice. Halay concludes the recording with an uplifting, joyous celebration and driving rhythm. With Fire Dance, Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Brian Keane have created a unique recording that embraces many moods, at once energetic and meditative, mystical and joyous. Imbued with grace, this music transports the listener to a magical land where patterns of rich Middle Eastern traditions are joined in music. Fire Dance is an adventure in transformation from which there is no turning back. web
Tracklist :
1    Somewhere In The Sahara 2:30
Written-By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
2    Oğlan Boyun 5:11
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written By – Traditional
3    A Call To Prayer 5:20
Written-By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
4    Desert Twilight 5:11
Written-By – Brian Keane
5    A Passage East 3:06
Written-By – Brian Keane
6    Song Of The Pharaohs 5:57
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written By – Traditional
7    Beledy 5:27
Written-By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
8    Fire Dance 5:27
Arranged By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Written By – Traditional
9    Ask 6:24
Arranged By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Written-By – S. Sagbas
10    Village Song 4:16
Arranged By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Written By – Traditional
11    Modern Mystics 2:59
Written-By – Brian Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek
12    Sahara (Reprise) 1:16
Written-By – Brian Keane
13    Spirit Of The Ancestors 5:31
Written-By – Omar Faruk Tekbilek
14    Halay 5:56
Arranged By – Brian Keane
Written-By – Traditional

BRIAN KEANE & OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK - Beyond the Sky (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Reuniting the innovative duo of Brian Keane with Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Beyond the Sky comes across as an even more adventurous excursion than their two earlier recordings, Suleyman the Magnificent and Fire Dance. The listener is transported to exotic regions of the Mediterranean, including Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa....Amidst the Middle Eastern harmonies, the listener catches whiffs of Moroccan and even Afro-Cuban or South American styles, in a unique marriage of musical cultures. AllMusic
Tracklist:
1 Beyond the Sky 4:40
Brian Keane
2 Imaginary Traveler 6:08
Brian Keane
3 Kolaymi 5:16
Hassan Isikkut
4 Bridge 5:36
Omar Faruk Tekbilek
5 Chargah Sirto 2:33
Traditional
6 Your Love Is My Cure 6:58
Traditional
 7 Selemet 6:08
Traditional
8 Nighttime 6:03
Traditional
9 Strange Little Corner 2:18
Brian Keane
10 Siseler 3:49
Traditional
11 Sweet Trouble 5:40
Brian Keane / Omar Faruk Tekbilek
12 Al Fatiha 3:20
Brian Keane / Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Credits:
Ara Dinkjian - Oud
Hassan Isikkut - Composer, Harp
Brian Keane - Bass, Composer, Engineer, Guitar, Guitar (12 String), Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Steel), Mixing, Orchestration, Percussion, Producer, Slide Guitar, Sound Effects, Synthesizer
John Mozzi - Engineer, Synthesizer
Omar Faruk Tekbilek - Composer, Bardouka, Oud, Ney, Kaval, ,Baglama, Reeds, Reeds (Multiple), Synthesizer, Tambourine, Vocals
Arto Tuncboyaciyan - Drums, Percussion, Tambourine