KUDSI ERGUNER — Islam Blues (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Turkish-born ney flutist, composer and musicologist is one of the most important representatives of classical Ottoman music. As a master of the ney, a traditional Turkish reed flute, he has popularised the music of Sufism and Ottoman culture. In addition to releasing numerous solo albums, he has also collaborated with international artists. He has not only preserved traditional Turkish music, but has also realised innovative projects in which he combines Eastern and Western music. Kudsi Erguner is an important cultural ambassador who has contributed to the revitalisation and dissemination of traditional music in Turkey through his work. ACT
Tracklist :
1    One Word    8:19
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
2    Adjem Blues    8:19
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
3    Mediterranien    4:55
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
4    Sarki    6:50
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
5    Camel    12:40
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
6    Moonrise    12:10
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
7    Twins    8:20
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
Credits :
Double Bass – Bruno Caillat, Renaud Garcia-Fons
Drums – Karim Ziad (tracks: 7), Mark Nauseef
Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Kanun – Hakan Güngor
Kemenche – Derya Turkan
Ney – Kudsi Erguner
Percussion – Bruno Caillat
Vocals – Halil Neciboglu, Yunus Balcioglu

KUDSI ERGUNER — Ottomania : Sufi - Jazz - Project (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first world music project that blends classical music from the Ottoman Empire with Western improvisation and jazz rhythms. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Semai    5:48
Written-By – Mesut Cemil Bey
2    Sufimaj    4:37
Written-By – Kudsi Erguner
3    Dua    12:55
Written-By – Kudsi Erguner
4    Free Space    7:47
Written-By – Kudsi Erguner
5    Nefes    9:06
Written-By – Kudsi Erguner
6        Hi-Jaz    9:18
Written-By – Kudsi Erguner
Credits :
Bendir, Goblet Drum [Zarb], Tabla, Daf, Percussion [Traditional] – Bruno Caillat
Double Bass – Yves Rousseau
Drums – Mark Nauseef
Kanun – Hakan Gungor
Kemenche – Derya Turkan
Lute [Ud] – Mehmet Emin Bitmez
Ney, Producer, Executive-Producer – Kudsi Erguner
Saxophone – Christof Lauer
Tambura [Tanbur] – Necib Gulses
Tuba, Serpent – Michel Godard

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 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

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

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

 

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 

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