ANTHONY BRAXTON - B-X° / NO-I-47ᴬ (1969-2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Anthony Braxton's first recording during his three-year stay in Europe is in some ways a continuation of his initial release, utilizing a similar personnel. The music performed by altoist Anthony Braxton (who also plays soprano, clarinet, contrabass clarinet, flute, "sound machine" and chimes), trumpeter Leo Smith, violinist Leroy Jenkins and drummer Steve McCall is very freely improvised, includes "little instruments" for their variety in sound, and contrast high-energy playing with space. This Affinity Lp will be difficult to find and the music (one composition apiece from Braxton, Smith and Jenkins) is far from accessible but is generally worth the struggle. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Light On The Dalta 10:06
Written-By, Arranged By – Leo Smith
2    Simple Like 9:26
Written-By, Arranged By – Leroy Jenkins
3    B-X° / NO-I-47ᴬ
Written-By, Arranged By – Anthony Braxton
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Flute, Performer [Sound Machine], Chimes, Liner Notes – Anthony Braxton
Drums, Goblet Drum [Darbouka], Percussion – Steve McCall
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Horns, Percussion [Logs], Siren – Leo Smith
Violin, Viola, Flute, Organ [Mouth], Organ [Hohner], Harmonica – Leroy Jenkins

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
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

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

ANOUAR BRAHEM – The Astounding Eyes of Rita (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Delightful new project, assembled by Tunisian oud master Brahem with producer Manfred Eicher. Combination of bass clarinet with oud suggests a link to Anouar’s “Thimar” trio, but this East/West line-up often feels closer to the more traditionally-inclined sounds of “Barzakh” or “Conte de l’Incroyable Amour”. Klaus Gesing, from Norma Winstone’s Trio, and Björn Meyer, from Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, are both players with an affinity for musical sources beyond jazz, and they interact persuasively inside Brahem’s music. A dance of dark, warm sounds, urged onward by the darbouka and frame drum of Lebanaese percussionist Khaled Yassine. The album is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. www.ecmrecords.com 

Tracklist :
1    The Lover Of Beirut    7:44
2    Dance With Waves    3:56
3    Stopover At Djibouti    6:34
4    The Astounding Eyes Of Rita    8:41
5    Al Birwa    4:51
6    Galilee Mon Amour    7:17
7    Waking State    7:48
8    For No Apparent Reason    6:35
Credits:
Bass – Björn Meyer
Bass Clarinet – Klaus Gesing
Goblet Drum [Darbouka], Bendir – Khaled Yassine
Oud, Music By – Anouar Brahem
Producer [Produced By] – Manfred Eicher
Text By [Poem In Booklet] – Mahmoud Darwish
ECM 2075