Search - Omar Faruk Tekbilek :: Alif: Love Supreme

Middle Eastern Music Without Borders

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 06/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Turkish master Omar Faruk Tekbilek (with Steve Shahen and a host of talented musicians from Iran, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Spain and Turkey) really goes beyond limitations here, creating some of the most beautiful, ephemeral music I have ever heard. Despite the obvious Turkish influences, this music incorporates a wide range of styles from across the Middle East; Anatolian folk, Rromani (Gypsy), Greek, Bulgarian, Sufi, Egyptian, Azeri and classical influences can all be felt here, amongst others. Spanish guitar mixes with the Turkish ney. Its so amazing. This really is pan-Middle Eastern music, worthy of the name "Alif". It represents the whole of Middle/Near Eastern culture. Mere words alone cannot describe the beauty and elegence of this music. From the very beginning, "Dulger" calls to mind images from the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, and you will be moved by songs like "Laundry Girl" and "Dark Eyes". "Alif", the title track, is absolutely haunting, and "Dadash" is simply filled with splendor and wonder. And from there it goes to the lively and exotic "Ya Bouy". If you appreciate Middle Eastern or Mediterranean music, then there isn't a single song on this CD that will disappoint you. A note on the songs, by the way, is that they come from various sources. "Dulger" and "Alif" were originally Sufi devotional pieces, "Take a Flight" and "Forbidden Love" are contemporary arrangements in traditional styles, "Ya Bouy" was composed by the legendary Farid al-Atrache, "Don't Cry My Love" and "Lachin" are both based off folk songs, and "Dadash" is a medley of Anatolian styles. The sheer scope and range of these pieces, and the fact that they mix and match elements of different cultures and styles, means that it will likely appeal to any fan of Middle Eastern music. Even those who have never listened to Turkish classical music or any other music from that region will likely find this to be a wonderful buy. I strongly recommend this CD."

Gorgeous and Tasteful Fusion of Styles

Diane M. Rabson | boulder, co | 07/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tekbelek performed here in Boulder. I had not heard his work and was immediately taken by it. I lived in Istanbul for a year in the late 60's and developed a lifelong taste for Turkish and other Islamic musics, stretching out to world traditionaol styles in general. I have hundreds of recordings of mostly traditional styles from around the world, and many form Turkey.I find that Alif is probably the closest to what I heard in the concert. It is NOT entirely traditional in arrangement. However, what one reviewer described as "murky" synthesizer I hear as a remarkable fusion of Western harmonic concepts and Turkish/Islamic makam modal theory and practice, and I think it works gloriously. This is the most mesmerizing of his recordings. If you want strictly traditional arrangements with exclusively traditional acoustic instruments, don't buy this. If you want a bold yet enchanting fusion of synth harmonies and beautifully played traditional instruments, this is wonderful. I usually dislike synth washes over traditional musics, it is so tacky almost all the time, but not this time, not to my ear. Truly glorious. And the vocals are stunning, not just Tekbelek's but a host of female singers who join him individually. His instrumental work remains impeccable as does that of his group, including the fine percussion work of Shehan. Listen to the samples...they will tell you what you need to know about the role of the synthesizer in the arrangements. Then buy it and be enchanted."

The album for the perplexed

passcoop | Ft Lauderdale, FL USA | 10/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You have been curios about Middle Eastern music. You thought you may like it. If only you could get an album that will lead you gently into the genre. This album is it. Perfection in every track. Begin with track 4; "Dark Eyes" and you'll be hooked on OFT forever! An unbelievable artistic accomplishment!"