Mystical Garden

Omar Faruk Tekbilek

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 6, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Celestial Harmonies
• ASIN: B0000007XY
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #127,010 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > Middle East > Turkey

Editorial 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

Product Description

Omar Faruk Tekbilek continues to delight Western listeners with a 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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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful all the way through, January 14, 1999

By A Customer

This is a truly amazing CD: nary a boring or un-original track in the whole bunch. There's a lot of variety, from the raucous "Shaskin" (the zurna, the featured instrument, is typically played at large outdoor events) to the beautiful, flowing "Hasret" (which always compels me to pick up a veil and start improvising), Keane's lovely "Magic of the Evening," and the mystical final piece. The musicians are all terrific -- listen for the kanun player, who's a genius, although I'm also quite taken with the percussion solos. The whole album is highly listenable if you're not a dancer (although I wouldn't call it "background music"; you DO have to pay attention!). And if you're a dancer, don't put it on unless you've got an hour free. My Middle Eastern dance teacher had a party at her studio. We've been learning a choreography to "Shaskin," so we ran through that. Then someone started the CD again from the beginning -- and, the whole 66:19 minutes later, we realized that we were STILL dancing!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent conveyance of the eastern spirit, August 30, 1998

By A Customer

A most pleasing and soothing collection of musical pieces which captures the sometimes elusive, but sensuous, Islamic aesthetic.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Eastern collection. A must for lovers of Turkish music, January 16, 2006

By	M. Mamedov (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had doubts before buying it. Thought it was not what I was looking for and hoped that it doesn't come out to be boring. Some intrumental turkish songs, eventhough beutiful, do really bore you after a while. But this is really cool! I liked 2nd track and #10 and others too. I am now a fan of Omar Tekbilek:)