Customer Reviews

Turkish Traditional Music in a Contemporary Form

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Traditional music of Turkey and Azerbaijan is played by Shimal on violin, guitar, drums, bass guitar, clarinet and accordion with great flair and authenticity. This is urban music like that heard in the cafe's of Turkey. Viv Dogan Corringham's vocals are smokey, bluesy, and earthy. The band handles the Middle Eastern rhythms with ease ... Overall, it has great music and is highly recommended.

The whole CD is for the most part very enjoyable although I wish the second track were heard first. The first track is a bit too lonely and distant sounding. Per the liner notes it is a tragic story from prison and has a rather downward feeling, slow sad sound, not at all what I want to hear when starting a CD ... ARC should this type of song last on its CDs. Track # 2 is more joyous and lively, a well rounded piece of music with an upbeat sound, perfect for the beginning of a CD. Tracks 4, 5, and 6 all have beautiful melodies with Viv Dogan Corringham providing gutsy, strong vocals with deep feeling and emotional honesty. # 7 is the only one I do not like, called "Operetta", the first few bars sound like vocalized pain which I can't get past, so I skip over the entire track.

The last three tracks are superb dance music. # 11 called "Emserim" translated as "My Dark Love" has an infectious beat and equally appealing vocals. # 12 "Adana Ciftetelisi" ("The Tsifteteli of Adana") is an invitation to do belly dancing and the rhythms and beat are flirtatious and sensual ... The music is engaging and builds up to a firey pitch. The last track # 13, "Doyma Caya" ("Sweet Tea") has joyous and lively music with improvised musical phrasing that is well balanced and a total pleasure to hear. Erika Borsos (pepper flower)

This is a beautiful CD but certainly not Turkish Music.I was confused by the title. All the songs from Azerbeijan. If you like Traditional Azerbeijan music this CD is great.