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"Mystical
Garden"
The
fifth of the collaborations between Brian Keane and Omar Faruk
Tekbilek, "Mystical Garden" represents a return to the mixture
of fiery musicianship, folksy traditional music and spiritual
depth of "Beyond The Sky", their
third and most popular album. Like "Beyond
The Sky", every cut is strong, and exploits the musicianship
of Ara Dinkjian (oud), Arto Tuncboyaciyan (percussion), and Hasan
Isikkut (kanun), as well as Faruk and Brian Keane's orchestrations.
Stand outs include Arto's composition "Other Side Of The River",
the energetic Baltic piece "Laz", the primative "Shashkin", the
romantic "Hasret", and the introspective Dinkjian composition
"Three Last Words".
Track
List:
1.
Other Side of the River
2. Magic of the Evening
3. Laz
4. Shashkin
5. Hasret
6. Egyptian Dance
7. Three Last Words
8. Mystical Garden
9. Hu Allah
Release
Date: August 12, 1996
Label: Celestial Harmonies
Reviews:
Amazon.com: 
"Working with longtime producer-multi-instrumentalist Brine
Keane, Omar Faruk Tekbilek creates evocative soundscapes of Middle
Eastern origin, both original compositions and arrangements of
traditional material. Ney, kavala, zurna, baglama, oud, bendir
and cumbus are set in a discreet wash of synthesizer drones and
percussion parts performed by five members of his ensemble. The
tone is light but spiritual, retaining an affinity to his heritage--but
with a nod to contemporary New Age sensibilities, especially in
the simple arrangements and occasional use of ambient nature sound
effects. However, the strength of musicianship and commitment
to tradition assures that 'Mystical Garden' stays firmly rooted
in the pastures of Allah and not in the organic flower borders
of background music. Tekbilek makes original and uplifting music
that consistently rewards the listener." --Derek Rath
Mystical
influences, an extraordinary experience... The artist: A virtuoso
on several Middle Eastern instruments and a masterful performer
on dozens more, Omar Faruk Tekbilek is a man of vast expertise.
He started early, performing in his native Turkey by age 12 and
studied under some of the greatest Turkish musicians. Establishing
himself as one of the top Turkish studio musicians in the 1960s,
he later toured Europe and the United States as one of the world's
foremost performers of traditional Middle Eastern music. His appearances
with jazz musicians Don Cherry and Karl Berger, and his work on
numerous film and TV scores attest to his leadership status among
contemporary Middle Eastern musicians. He now lives in New York
state where he continues to expand his musical mastery, with a
thriving solo career and collaborations with other artists, such
as FATA MORGANA with Australian percussionist Michael Askill.
Brian Keane is a talented composer and performer whose credits
include many solo guitar and small ensemble recordings and a large
number of soundtracks, including SÜLEYMAN
THE MAGNIFICENT. He is the producer of both solo recordings
by Faruk and has collaborated with Faruk on FIRE
DANCE and BEYOND THE SKY, which
combine the sounds of the Middle East with Western synthesizers
and guitar. Oud or lute virtuoso, Ara Dinkjian, and renowned percussionist,
Arto Tuncboyaciyan, are both members of the popular band, Night
Ark, which combines Western and Near Eastern musical forms. Hassan
Isikkut is a composer and virtuoso on the Arabian kanun, or classical
zither. The project: Omar Faruk Tekbilek continues to delight
Western listners with the vast array of Middle Eastern musical
traditions. As the follow up to his debut solo recording WHIRLING,
MYSTICAL GARDEN combines Faruk's musical mastery, composition
and mystical influences creating a soulful and emotional musical
journey. MYSTICAL GARDEN (and the self-titled track) is a variation
on a theme. It is the reflection of Faruk's inspiration by "the
unity of the Mystical life. The garden is an island surrounded
by the ocean of sincerity. Everyone with their sincere hearts
chanting God's name in their language. In essence, we are the
flowers owned by the one and only Gardener." MYSTICAL GARDEN places
more emphasis on Faruk's writing, featuring five original tracks.
And there is a greater emphasis on the stellar musicianship of
the players. Egyptian Dance demonstrates traditional Egyptian
motives, with variations on the rhythm and the scales. Hu Allah
continues to tell Faruk's story in the garden, with his soulful
voice over a bed of chanting, nature sounds, and orchestration,
along with oud, ney, and bendir. As the last track, this piece
leaves the listener in a peaceful trance. To compare Faruk to
Western musicians, it would be as if one musician was a master
of the drums, percussion, guitar, flute, recorder, oboe, and more.
Add to this Faruk's mystical influences, and the listener is in
for an extraordinary experience.
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