Customer Reviews

Oud Masterpieces: From Armenia Turkey & Middle

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Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian (Gardner) originally released this recording in 2002 as "From Kef to Classical", and it has been out of print until recently. Fortunately for fans of the oud and near eastern music, it is once again available. Bardezbanian showcases his breathtaking range here, as a composer (Sfekas Tsamiko, Suzie & Sozie's Dance), improviser, and interpreter of classic repertoire. His playing seems to effortlessly manage to balance soulfulness and soaring virtuosity. Not merely an oud virtuoso, Bardezbanian was also a master of the G clarinet. Highly recommended.
with: Beth Bergerhoff (acc), Bau Graves (gt), David Hillon (bs), Eric Laperna (perc), Mike Gallant (vln)

I listened to samples of a large number of Middle Eastern music CDs before choosing this one. It is completely instrumental, and there is a nice selection of different tempi and instrument combinations (this is not a solo Oud CD). There are a number of selections where the Oud is the featured instrument, but for the most part, the pieces are performed by a band of instruments with the Oud leading the way. The percussion is especially marvelous...you will be on your feet by measure sixteen of the first piece!

The recording is high quality in every way, and the music is quite authentic. The musicianship is first rate. I would especially recommend this CD for anyone who is just starting to listen to this genre of music.

After searching for years for Oud folk-style music, and only ending up with Classic Concert Taxims, I found this! Perfection! Masterful playing; and very reminiscent of the old Feenjon Cafe in Greenwich Village from many years ago, with another Oud Master, Menachem Dworman, and his players. Every track is a winner. Just Wonderful!

Like Richard Hagopian's Kef Time and John Berberian's Music of the Middle East, this album by Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian and his ensemble reflect both Armenian heritage and American upbringing. Bardezbanian had an unquenchable thirst for music, studying jazz composition at Berklee College of Music, learning several instruments, and later absorbing Greek sirtos, Arabic maqams, Persian dastgah, Ottoman peshrev, as well as traditional Armenian dances. Such a diverse background gave him wide experience in oud improvisation. He plays here both oud -- in a rapid, hard-plucked style -- and clarinet. His ensemble consists of accordian, piano, violin, dubek and riqq, and guitar. This is a purely instrumental recording of Aegean music, including a Bulgarian dance with 25/16 rhythm and other dances of 5, 7, and 9 beats. Stately, slow dances contrast with bright and lively compositions, several of which are Bardezbanian's own. He was certainly a master of the oud. My only complaint is that there is a sameness in the arrangements and tone. If you are interested in a sampling of Turkish and Middle Eastern dance music for an uplifting party (kef), this album will joyfully meet your requirements.

Alan Bardezbanian, or 'Sensei Al' as I and many others knew him (he was an 8th dan black belt in Shotokan karate, among many other things) has released an album that is both accessible and richly textured.

Bardezbanian is widely regarded as one of the great oud players of his time and the tyro may think his music would only reward those versed in the subtleties of the instrument, but as one who came to his music with essentially no experience with Middle Eastern music, I can attest that this album has something for anyone interested in world music and opus of a master.

Sadly, Sensei Al passed away a few years ago before he could see his music reach a broader audience. Fans of this album should take heart, as I've heard that his estate and bandmates have finished mixing the follow-up album he was working on when he died.

Anyone who knew Sensei Al, heard his stories, and benefited from his instruction - musical or martial - will never forget him. Thanks to the wide release of his work, many more can share the experience of his tremendous abilities for years to come.

I was looking for something with an oud/Middle Eastern/Spanish flavor, and this is it! What a beautiful and generous CD.. I wish this fellow was more prolific, he and his group are just great!