V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME ONE : Al-Qāhirah, Classical Music Of Cairo, Egypt (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Music of Islam 1: Al Qahirah Music of Cairo collects Islamic songs from Egypt, including "Khatwet Habibi," "Sama I Bayati," and "Bint Al-Balad," and provides insight into the diverse sacred music of this religion. by Heather Phares
Tracklist :
1 Khatwet Habiby 4:00
2 El Helwa Dayer Shebbak 6:08
3 Ud Solo 4:14
4 Ana Fi Entizarak Khalet 13:05
5 Nay Solo 2:42
6 Samra Ya Samra 5:35
7 Qanun Solo 2:50
8 Bint Al-Balad 4:26
9 Tabalah Solo 3:45
10 Sama'I Bayati (Al-Aryan) 6:22
11 Riqq Solo 2:57
12 Habibi Wa Enaya 6:46
Credits :
Daf [Duff] – Ibrahim Gomaa
Goblet Drum [Tabalah] – Khaled Gomaa
Kanun [Qanun] – Mostafa Abd El Khalek
Ney [Nay] – Mohamed Foda
Oud ['ud] – Mamdouh El Gbaly
Tambourine [Riqq] – Hesham El Araby

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME TWO : Music Of The South Sinai Bedouins (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Proudly produced in the year 1418 (by the Muslim calendar), volume two of the relatively far-reaching Music of Islam series focuses on the nomads of Southern Egypt. The ud and the rebab figure heavily in this music, providing the backdrop to every possible song. Combined with this is the general chorus of vocalists and handclaps accompanying the leader of the troupe. The music is performed wonderfully, though the requisite repetition could prove itself a bit much for the casual listener. Another nice note on this album: The liner notes are more than extensive, delving into the history of Islam and all things related to it. For a curious listener, this Music of Islam series could prove itself quite fulfilling. A single volume alone, however, might not be expansive enough to provide an appreciation of the forms. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist :
1 Ba'ad Al- 'Asaha 5:56
2 Fi Solam Al Taeira 2:56
3 Lala Todayeqoun Al-Tarfi 4:30
4 El Banat Metalemat 3:18
5 Ibnattan Arabiyattan 5:18
6 Mili 'Allaya Mili 5:29
7 Qaṣidāh 4:07
Performer [Rabâbah], Vocals – Haj-Mohamed Ouda
8 Ya Rim 4:07
9 Allāh Ani Talabtak, Ma Talabt Al-Bakhil 3:44
10 Ya Warid Al-Ma, Asqini Sharaban 4:24
11 Sid El 'Arab 3:07
12 Nartiji Wa Al-Raja Fi Allāh 2:47
13 Khelli Ya Khelli 4:22
14 Gal Al Wada' 3:34
15 Barhum Ya Barhum 4:56
16 Ahlan Wa Sahlan 3:38
Credits :
Oud, Lead Vocals, Art Direction, Instruments [Simsimiyya] – Selim Seliman
Percussion – Soliman Hussein
Performer – Selim Seliman Ensemble
Vocals – Aly Heimed, Awad Gomaa, Ayed Hamdan, Ghaned Mohamed, Hemeid Abdallah, Hussein Awad, Meneify Hamdan, Mohamed Abdallah, Mohamed Hemeid, Mosallam Soliman

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME THREE : Music Of The Nubians, Aswān, Egypt (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Music of Islam 3: Music of the Nubians collects Islamic songs of the Nubian people, as performed by the Aswan Troupe of Folkloric Art. Songs such as "Al-Kartch," "Salaam Ya," "Al-Tatha," and "Allah Musau" provide more insight into the diverse sacred music of Islam. by Heather Phares
Tracklist :
1    Al-Kartch    6:31
2    Folk Song    6:16
3    Nubian Rythms    5:49
4    Zafa    3:22
5    Popular Games    4:45
6    Al-Najimshad    10:03
7    Al-Soukh    6:17
8    Salaam Ya    4:58
9    Al-Sayaddin    6:22
10    Al-Tatha    7:55
11    Allāh Musau    6:15
Credits :
Directed By – Dr. Fawzy Fawzy
Ensemble – The Aswān Troupe For Folkloric Arts

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME FOUR : Music Of The Arabian Peninsula, Doha, Qatar (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Iraqi installment of Celestial Harmonies' Music of Islam series. As circumstances stood, an album of music recorded in Iraq proper was impossible given the problems with entering the country for the recording team. Instead, they managed to find a pair of Iraqi expatriate musicians residing in Qatar who were happy to make a recording. Mohammed Saleh is an outstanding ud player and a graduate of Baghdad University, as was percussionist Haitham Hasan. The music is relatively simple in instrumentation, but rather complex in performance, as most good ud music is. Despite the obvious cultural/historical losses stemming from not making the recording in Basra as originally intended, this album is a stunning work. Saleh's ability is made clear by both the range of maqams he is capable of and the amount of capability he displays within each performance. While Iraqi music is relatively hard to come by in general, this album is quite accessible, and the extremely comprehensive liner notes make it a worthwhile short study for the intrepid listener unfamiliar with the music and the culture behind it. Pick it up, along with the rest of the series, for a nice look into a music culture from the cradle of civilization that's often overshadowed by the political happenings of the region. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist :
1 Quam Na Dimi 7:27
2 Ish Lonak Ini 5:55
3 Taqsīm 1 3:40
4 Ya Gariya Khabirini 6:05
5 Al Hajr 7:12
6 Marou Alyaa / El-Helwen 4:24
7 Taqsīm 2 6:21
8 Bead Konto 6:40
9 Lama Bada Yatasana 3:45
10 Taqsīm 3 5:50
11 Ya Helo / Ya Abu El-Sedara 5:52
Credits :
Oud – Mohammed Saleh Abd Al-Saheb Lelo
Percussion [Tabalah] – Haitham Hasan

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME FIVE : ʾAīssāoua Ṣūfī Ceremony, Marrakesh, Morocco (1997) 2CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This pair of discs in the outstanding Music of Islam series on Celestial Harmonies showcases the music of the Aissaoua sect of Sufism, largely from Morocco. The Aissaoua are followers of the teachings of Shaykh 'Abd Allah Sidi Muhammad Ben 'Aisa as-Sufiani al-Mukhtari, a 15th century Sufist. The music is more similar to Moroccan music in general than to the average Sufi forms, which are generally characterized by the ney and clapping to accompany the dances of the dervishes. Here, there are oboes blaring through sections of the ceremony, and drumming throughout (though the instrumentation builds from the beginning to the end, reaching a climax of intensity at a specific point during which the trance dancing of the accompanying ceremony reaches its height as well). This is energetic music for the most part, far outpacing the normal Sufi music of the Middle East at any rate (though still perhaps falling behind the pace of the Sufi-based qawwali of Pakistan). It is a dense sound in spots, followed by periods of relatively sparse instrumentation and vocals. It is a complex sound overall, but an interesting combination of styles and tempos. To go with this, there are the ultra-informative liner notes compiled by Celestial Harmonies for each volume of the series, with a number of essays dealing with all major aspects of Islam as well as specific ones for the genre being showcased. This is something of an ethnomusicologist's boon, with the comprehensive treatment both of the different genres as well as each genre alone. Pick up the series if there is any interest whatsoever in Islamic music in you. by Adam Greenberg  
Tracklist 1 :
1 Dikr (Part 1) 11:21
2 Dikr (Part 2) 9:07
3 Fatha 0:31
4 Dikr (Part 3) 8:50
5 Inovocation 0:35
6 ʾĀda (Part 1) 17:49
7 ʾĀda (Part 2) 7:31
Tracklist 2 :
1 Scene Inauguration 14:47
2 Dikra Rebbania 40:26
3 Closing Music 11:02
Recorded at the Academia Arabesca, the Medina (Marrakesh, Morocco).

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME SIX : Al-Maghrib, Gnāwa Music, Marrakesh, Morocco (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Part of the Celestial Harmonies' lengthy Music of Islam series, this album showcases the music of the Gnawa sect of Morocco. The instrumentation is relatively simple, with the sintir holding the lead, a tbil or two keeping a deep bass rhythm, and the never-ending clash of the qaraqeb clacking throughout every moment of the ceremony. As a mild rarity, this group of musicians has a separate lead vocalist from the sintir player, who usually holds the duties. The sintirist still helps out on vocals, but only following the same melodic lines now and then for added force. The style of music embraced by the Gnawa is an amazing sound in and of itself, but, with some quality musicians, it can come out far beyond its normal boundaries. Here, the levels of virtuosity are somewhat mid-level. The musicians are good, but perhaps not up to the level of some of the higher players in the genre (Brahim el Belkani, for example). As such, the sound is good, but there are better albums available elsewhere (such as the Moroccan Sufism installation of Rounder's Anthology of World Music series). As part of the extensive series here on Celestial Harmonies, this album fits in quite well. It's worth a listen, but don't spend a lot of time hunting for it. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist:
1 Ūlād Bāmbāra 10:39
2 Yobati / Kalkani Būlīla 6:36
3 ʾĀda 9:25
4 Būderbāla / Būḥāla 8:50
5 Itchalaba Titara 12:52
6 Yomala 5:58
7 Mimūna 6:31
Credits :
Lead Vocals – Marchane Abdelkbir Lechhab
Percussion, Vocals – Hamzaoui Ahmed, Kharmouss Mahdjoub
Sintir, Vocals – Ahmed Bakbou

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME SEVEN : Al-Andalūs Andalusian Music, Tetouan, Morocco (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From the vast series of Islamic music on Celestial Harmonies comes this album of Moroccan-Andalusian music. The performing ensemble makes use of an ud, ney, darbukka, tar, and a violin. Slightly different from the classical version of the genre, but there's enough freedom inherent in the music to allow for it easily enough. There's the usual call-and-response vocal that's so common in much North African music, but mixed in with instrumental solo breaks. The album opens with a lament at the loss of Andalusia that includes a noteworthy introductory section with instrumental preludes with and without rhythm (much like the alap and jor in Indian music). Another lament (at the loss of Alhambra this time) follows in much the same style (though without the tuchiya rhythmic prelude), and is followed itself by a more relaxed wedding song. Two more laments at the loss of Andalusia continue the progression, with another wedding song breaking the mood before two more laments at the loss of Alhambra finish the album. While the lyrical content is certainly not the most uplifting, the musical forms remain relatively upbeat throughout much of the album. A pulsing rhythm accentuated by the tar pushes the players forward into an ever more frenzied mood. The solo performers are worth hearing, though perhaps not of the virtuosic level of some others (Kudsi Erguner is a leading example for nay, Munir Beken for oud). As part of the series, this album has notable value as another piece of the worldwide puzzle of Islamic music. Give it a listen as part of the series, but don't seek it out alone. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist:
1 Eshbehayn 8:49
2 Mkdam Sharki 9:08
3 Rashdayl 4:06
4 Esthlal 13:33
5 Times Mkdam Sharki 10:36
6 Rashdfa 7:22
7 Hijasoul (Chahshahachni) 11:04
8 Elhijaz 10:36
Credits :
Goblet Drum [Clay Darbūka] – Abdelilah Azlas
Kemenche [Kamanjā] – El Kacimi Mohamed
Leader – El Kacimi Mohamed
Ney [Nāy] – Abedlkarim Doukhou
Oud ['Ūd] – Ahmed El Kamas
Tambourine [Ṭār] – Mohamed El Rhouni
Transcription By [Annotation] – Timothy D. Fuson

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME EIGHT : Folkloric Music Of Tunisia (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

North African Islamic music is generally a bit more rousing than other forms that are found in the Middle East proper, probably due to the extended distance from the seats of orthodoxy, which frown upon music in general (the same is true in the other direction -- Pakistani Sufi music is also distant from the Middle East and far more rousing). Case in point here, Tunisian folkloric music. There's extensive use made of a slinking melodic bagpipe to double up over the lead vocalist's expertise. This is the music that people envision as filling the bazaars of any North African polis. For folks who are already in the know as to this type of music, this isn't a bad item at all. For those who aren't, it also wouldn't be too bad of a place to start (though they should know that all Muslim music is certainly not like this). Also for those ones, a possible gain might be had in looking up some Gnawa ritual music, which holds some subtle similarities. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist :
1 Medley 7:15
2 Mawwal 1 4:27
3 Baba Salem 9:50
4 Leliri Ya Mana Lotfi Jormana 4:06
5 Hay Leli Leli & Ala Bab Souika 10:44
6 El Guelb Ely Yehwek 6:56
7 Mawwal 2 3:41
8 Dhaouit Ayemek & Ma Indich Zahar 10:13
9 Nemdah Laktab 6:55
Credits :
Bendir [Bendīr] – Fathi Dahleb
Drum [Tabal] – Fathi Bouguera
Goblet Drum [Daraboukka] – Hichem Sallemi
Leader, Vocals – Lotfi Jormana
Mizwad [Mizwid] – Abdessalem Zarga
Tambourine [Ṭar] – Khaled Bekir

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME NINE : Mawlawiyah Music Of The Whirling Dervishes (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Part of the generally well-done series from Celestial Harmonies dealing with the musics of various groups in the Islamic spectrum. This album deals specifically with the Turkish Sufi mystics (whirling dervishes) who use the music in general as part of a ceremony of ecstatic motion (known as a "sema"). The first six tracks comprise the whole of a sema ceremony, or at least a short form of it. The music is primarily ritual, but is also wonderfully aesthetic at the same time. Of course, there is something missing without the visuals that are really needed to convey the ceremony (the dancing), but still, the hypnotic melodies are enough to please the average listener (with some background). Also included are two instrumental improvisations to showcase the secular musical ability of the troupe as well. For a nice look into the sounds of the Sufis, this isn't a bad place to start. Thorough liner notes also add an extra sheen to the package. by Adam Greenberg
Tracklist :
1 Na'Ti Sherif 5:45
Composed By – Buhûrîzade Mustafa Itrî Efendi
2 Nay Taksim 3:35
3 Peşhrev 2:54
Composed By – Sultan Selim III
4 Suzidilara Ayin 25:19
Composed By – Sultan Selim III
5 Kamanche Taksim 1:35
6 Feeynema Tuvellu / Fesemme Vechullah 3:45
7 Suite In Segah: Part 1, Peşhrev / Part 2, Sol Cennetin Irmaklari Akar / Allah Deyu Deyu / Part 3, Ey Allahim Beni Senden Ayirma / Part 4, Canim Kurban 12:45
Composed By – Amir Ates, Hulusi Gokmen, Neyzen Yusuf Pasha
Lyrics By – Esrefoglu Roumi, Yunus Emre
8 Tanbour Taksim 1:53
9 Suite In Rast: Part 1, Ka-Benin Yollari / Part 2, Ey Asik-I Dildade / Part 3, Erler Demine Destur Alalim / Part 4, Allahumme Salli Alel Mustafa 14:07
Composed By – Sadik Efendi
Lyrics By – Hafíz Sezai
Lyrics By, Composed By – Haci Tahsine Hanim
Credits :
Kemenche – Sedat Altinöz, Sedat Icoz
Lute [Bowed Tanbour] – A. Nuri Benli
Lute [Tanbour] – Mustafa A. Öksüz
Ney [Nay] – Eymen Gürtan, Mahmut Bilki
Performer – Sema Ensemble, The Galata Mevlevî Music
Vocals – Abdulhamit Cakmut, Ahmet Erdogdular, Cengiz Unal, Nuri Ozcan, Refik Akbulut
Vocals, Bendir, Drum [Kudum] – Hasan Semerkantli
Zither [Kanoun] – Osman Aksu

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME TEN : Qurʾān Recitation, Istanbul, Turkey (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Music of Islam 10: Qur'an Recitation collects readings of the Koran by performers like Hafiz Husey Erek, Hafiz Kan Karaca, and Al-Sheikh Kesova. "Ezan" ("Call to Prayer"), "Rahman" ("Most Gracious"), and "Falaq" ("The Dawn") are just a few of the recitations included on this devout album. by Heather Phares
Tracklist :
1 Ezan 1:53
2 Fatiha 1:16
3 Baqara 1 3:00
4 Baqara 2 3:19
5 Furqan 12:46
6 Ya-Sin 20:22
7 Rahman 14:57
8 Hashir 2:04
9 Asr 0:54
10 Ikhlas 0:43
11 Falaq 0:49
12 Nas 1:00
13 Tekbir 1:37
Credits :
Voice [Reciter] – Hafíz Dr. Emin Işak, Hafíz Huseyin Ereck, Hafíz Kadir Konya, Hafíz Kani Karaca

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME ELEVEN : Music Of Yemen, Sanaʾa, Yemen (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Music of Islam 11: Yemen collects Islamic songs performed by Omar Ghallab, Yahya Arouma, and Saleh Abdul Baqi. Songs like "Ana Atarajjak" ("I Implore You") and "Taba'an Liqa" ("It Was Nice to Meet You") provide more insight into the diverse sacred music of Islam. by Heather Phares
Tracklist :
1 Ya Rabbat El-Husn 10:16
Composed By – Mohammed Jam'a Khan
Oud [Soloist] – Saleh Abdul Baqi
Vocals [Soloist] – Saleh Abdul Baqi
2 Tab Al-Liqa 6:39
Oud [Soloist] – Yahya Arouma
Vocals [Soloist] – Yahya Arouma
3 Ana Atarajjak 6:39
Composed By – Mohammed Atroush
Lyrics By – Omar Nusair
Oud [Soloist] – Saleh Abdul Baqi
Vocals [Soloist] – Iman Ibrahim
4 Tab As-Sahar 13:30
Composed By – Haddād Hassan Al-Faf
Oud [Soloist] – Omar Ghallab
Vocals [Soloist] – Omar Ghallab
5 Illa Leh Ya Hajeri 8:37
Composed By – Mohammed Atroush
Lyrics By – Omar Nusair
Oud [Soloist] – Saleh Abdul Baqi
Vocals [Soloist] – Khalid Ali
6 Ya Shari 11:09
Composed By – Mohamed Salem Shauqi
Lyrics By – Abdo Sharjabi
Oud [Soloist] – Mohamed Salem Shauqi
Vocals [Soloist] – Mohamed Salem Shauqi
7 Allah Ma Yahweh / Hatha Al-Maqam 9:38
Credits :
Goblet Drum [Tabla] – Omar Salem Ba Jabirah
Tambourine [Reqq] – Mirwan Al-Haidari
Vocals – Khalid Ali, Iman Ibrahim, Abdelrahman Imri
Vocals, Oud – Saleh Abdul Baqi, Omar Ghallab, Mohamed Salem Shauqi, Yahya Arouma

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME TWELVE : Music Of Iran (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In this volume from Celestial Harmonies' Music of Islam series, Persian classical music is explored along with more contemporary forms of Iranian music. The instrumentation is limited to kemantche and santur here, with accompaniment on the zarb and duff, depending on the piece being played. A surprisingly large number of pieces here are based in Kurdish folk music, something of a rarity for most Iranian albums, but a welcome influence here. The pieces move back and forth between Dastgahs Shur and Homayoun, as is called for by the mood of the work. The album starts out with some Kurdish music based in Shur, followed by a piece from the Europeanizing legend Ali Naqi Vaziri. It moves through a piece of Shooshtari folk music based in Homayoun, followed by an outstanding solo on the santur by Sadjadifard Agha-ye. A short dance number in Shur follows, followed itself by a lengthy improvisation in various folk forms. Sahihi Agha-ye provides a masterful solo on the zarb, and a piece from kemantche player Ali Asghar Bahari follows, showcasing some good interplay between kemantche and santur. An improvisation largely on kemantche follows, and the album finishes where it began, with a pair of songs based in Kurdish folk music. Throughout, the musicians show a good deal of virtuosity, perhaps less than on some other albums, but still more than most albums on the market. Pick it up as part of this outstanding series of albums of Islamic music, but if not as part of the series, look into some old Majid Kiani work instead as a start (at least for the santur).  by Adam Greenberg  
Tracklist:
1    Tașnīf-e Mahalli Kurdī 1'24
Composed By [Kurdish Folk Music] – Traditional
2    Tașnīf-e Dashtī 1'48
Composed By – 'Ali Naqi Vaziri
3    Avāz Shooshtari 5'10
Composed By [Shooshtari Folk Music] – Traditional
4    Bedāh-e Navazi Sanțūr 12'38
Composed By, Featuring – Agha-Ye Sadjadifard
5    Reng 3'03
Composed By – 'Ali Akbar Shahnazi
6    Bedāh-e Avāz Tasnif-e Kurdī 19'16
Composed By [Mixed Folk Music] – Traditional
7    Bedāh-e Navazi Tombak 3'10
Composed By, Featuring – Agha-Ye Sahihi
8    Tasnīf-e Eșfahān 5'07
Composed By – 'Ali Asghar Bahari
9    Tasnīf Va So 'Āl Va Javāb-e Kemenche 7'35
Composed By – Hossein 'Ali Fallah
10    Farghan-e A'Vām 2'34
Composed By [Kurdish Folk Music] – Traditional
11    Gat-e Kurdī 1'55
Composed By [Kurdish Folk Music] – Traditional
Credits :    Calligraphy – Mir Ali
Goblet Drum [Tombak], Daf [Duff] – Agha-Ye Sahihi
Kemenche – Agha-Ye Djamshidi
Santoor [Santur] – Agha-Ye Sadjadifard

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME THIRTEEN : Music Of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

An album of Pakistani religious music, supposedly. Really, the music is simply enough Indian classical music (generally either secular, or more probably Hindu religious) with stunning vocals by Ustad Bary Fateh Ali Khan. Pakistan is close enough to borrow the tradition (and indeed was in the past a part of the country), and for that matter, many of the most renowned Indian classical vocalists are in fact Muslim (even if the texts of their songs are from Hindu religious scripts). Nonetheless, Pakistan is definitely an Islamic nation (that's where a good deal of the mutual animosity between India and Pakistan comes from), and this music is from Pakistan. For actual Pakistani, Muslim, religious music, one should probably look into the qawwal traditions (especially the notable Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan). For a nice album of Indian classical, this one isn't bad, but it isn't entirely what it proposes to be. by Adam Greenberg 

Tracklist :

1 Rāga Bairagi Bhairavī 24:16
2 Rāga Pūriyā Dhanashri 24:55
3 Rāga Yaman 26:02
Credits :    
Sarangi – Ustad Nazim Alī Khān
Swarmandel – Sultan Faleh Alī
Tabla – Ershad Hussain
Tambura [Tanpura] – Ghūlam Sabir, Mustaq Alī
Vocals, Harmonium – Ustad Bary Fateh Alī Khān

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME FOURTEEN : Mystic Music Through The Ages (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From the surprisingly good and comprehensive series of Islamic music on Celestial Harmonies comes this volume, dealing with mystic musics of Islam, primarily that of the Sufis, and moreover that of Turkey to a large extent. The performers are the Galata Mevlevi house, led by Nail Kesova, also available on volume nine of the series (Whirling Dervishes). The playing is impeccable, with a trio of ney players providing the breathy sound that is so necessary for a good bit of Sufi music. The vocals are also perfectly in place, with an outstanding performance by Kesova. Songs are largely works of poetry, with three from the great Rumi, and a number from other mystics through the ages (as the title would suggest). For a nice look through all aspects of Islamic music, this series is probably the way to go. For a simple look into the Sufist traditions, this album fits right in competition with a number of other ones, but the quality of music here might give it a bit of an edge. by Adam Greenberg

Tracklist :
1 Şem-I Rûhuna Cisimi Pervane Düşürdüm 7:11
Composed By – Sultan Veled
Lyrics By – Sultan Veled
2 Ey Ki Hezâr Âferin, Bu Nice Sultân Olur 2:17
3 Bahri Ummân Dürriyem Yerim Mekânim Kandedir 2:29
Composed By – Ali Ufki
Lyrics By – Ali Ufki
4 Uyan Ey Gözlerim Gafletten Uyan 2:15
Composed By – Ali Ufki
Lyrics By – Sultan Murad III
5 Ya Rabbi, Zâtin Sirridir Bu Gülleri Handân Eden 4:33
Composed By – Ali Ufki
Lyrics By – Ali Ufki
6 Çün Sana Gönlüm Mübtelâ Oldu 2:14
Composed By – Hafiz Post
Lyrics By – Niyazi-i Misri
7 Tekbir: Allahu Ekber, Allahu Ekber, Lâ Ilâhe Illallah 3:49
Composed By – Buhûrîzade Mustafa Itrî Efendi
Ney [Nay] – Eymen Gürtan
Ney [Soloist] – Eymen Gürtan
8 Ya Hazreti Mevlânâ, Hakk Dost 8:09
Composed By – Buhûrîzade Mustafa Itrî Efendi
Lute [Soloist Tanbour] – Mustafa A. Öksüz
Lyrics By – Mevlânâ Celaleddin-i Rumi
9 Sultân-I Meni, Sultân-I Meni, Ender Dil-Ü Cân Imân-I Menî 2:48
Composed By – Buhûrîzade Mustafa Itrî Efendi
Lyrics By – Mevlânâ Celaleddin-i Rumi
10 Hîz Ki Imrûz Cihân Ân-I Mast, Cân-Ü Cihân Saki-Vü Mihmân-I Mâst 2:24
Composed By – Sultan Selim III
Lyrics By – Mevlânâ Celaleddin-i Rumi
11 Gelin Gidelim Allah Yoluna 3:20
Composed By – Hamamîzâde Ismail Dede Efendi
Lyrics By – Yunus Emre
12 Allah Emrin Tutalim - Rahmetine Batalim 2:06
Composed By – Zekâi Dede
Lyrics By – Yunus Emre
13 Alma Tenden Cânimi - Görmeden Cânânimi 2:13
Composed By – Sadettin Kaynak
Lyrics By – Yunus Emre
14 Sevelim Hazret-I Mevlana 'Yi 3:37
Composed By – Sadettin Heper
Lyrics By – Abdulbaki Dede
15 Ey Allahim Beni Senden Ayirma 2:18
Composed By – Hulusi Gokmen
Lyrics By – Esrefoglu Rumi
16 Hor Bakma Sen Topraga 4:23
Composed By – Hulusi Gokmen
Lute [Soloist Tanbour] – Mustafa A. Öksüz
Lyrics By – Bursali Dervis Yunus
17 Görmek Istersen Seni - Cân Içre Ara Câni 2:31
Composed By – Nail Kesova, Sheikh Ul Mevlevi
Lyrics By – Haci Bayram-i Veli
18 Velillahil Mesriku Vel Magrib, Feeynema Tuvellu Fesemme Vechullah 3:21
Credits     
Drum [Kudum] – Arif Şenyuz
Drum [Kudum], Bendir – Hasan Semerkantli
Kanun – Osman Aksu
Kemenche – Sedat Altinöz
Lute [Tanbour] – Mustafa A. Öksüz
Ney [Nay] – Cemal Kaḡitçi, Eymen Gürtan, Mahmut Bilki
Vocals, Co-producer – Al-Sheikh Nail Kesova

V. A. - THE MUSIC OF ISLÃM, VOLUME FIFTEEN : Muslim Music Of Indonesia, Aceh And West Sumatra (1998) 2CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Salawek Dulang Performers, accompanying their vocals on Dulang

Disk I: West Sumatra    1:16:12
1    Dendang Manangkok / Marindu Harimau 1    5:17
2    Dendang Manangkok / Marindu Harimau 2    6:26
3    Basosoh    6:51
4    Matam    4:42
5    Maratapi Jari-Jari    6:27
6    Dol-Tasa 1    8:06
7    Dol-Tasa 2    4:33
8    Dol-Tasa 3    0:28
9    Dol-Tasa 4    0:43
10    Rapai 1    1:00
11    Rapai 2    0:53
12    Rapai 3    0:32
13    Rapai 4    0:46
14    Indang Main Tali    3:04
15    Daibuh (BM), Dabus (BI)    0:28
16    Daibuh    2:42
17    Salawek Dulang: Lagu Meriam Penangkis    12:53
18    Salawek Dulang: Lagu Bolando Berangkek    8:48
Disk 2: Aceh    1:15:28
1    Ratèp Maseukat    4:52
2    Phő    1:51
3    Seudati Inong 1    6:15
4    Seudati Inong 2    9:19
5    Seudati Inong 3    8:33
6    Rapai Dabőih 1    29:21
7    Rapai Dabőih 2    3:04
8    Seudati 1    8:06
9    Seudati 2    3:23

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
2    Gawazi    6:12
3    Love Respect Truth    7:09
4    Old Man's Dance    4:36
5    Long Wait    6:00
6    Moments Of Doubt    5:19
7    Caspian Winds    4:40
8    Fly Away    4:42
9    La Ilaha Il Allah    5:25
10    Sultan Of The Hearts    7:22
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

 

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

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