Music from Turkey

This CD reissues two albums: a collection of field recordings by Indian ethnomusicologist Deben Bhattacharya, issued as Turkisk Musik in 1973; and Düğün Kına Ve Ask Türküleri by Sameyda – a group of Turkish musicians all resident in Sweden at the time – from 1983. These recordings have been carefully transferred to digital from the original tapes and published with a 100-page booklet that is well illustrated and includes a complete introduction to Turkish music styles and instruments, and detailed notes on the recordings.

The performers in Bhattacharya's recordings are among the best, including Kudsi Ergüner on ney (flute), vocalist Ahmed Hatipoğlu, aşık (troubadour) Daimi; they manage to communicate the intensity and originality of Turkish music heritage across Anatolia. True to its original title – which translates as Wedding and Love Songs – the Sameyda disc is a festive rendition of mostly joyful melodies. The songs are carried by the voice of Sevinç Uygur, who is brilliantly accompanied by an ensemble that includes Ahmet Tekbilek, brother of the famous Omar Faruk. Tekbilek's creativity shines on the instrumental track with Turkish tulum and Bulgarian gayda, two different types of bagpipes. All in all, an excellent introduction to the riches of Turkish music.