Journeys of a Dervish

Mercan Dede

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 27, 1999)
• Original Release Date: July 27, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Golden Horn Records
• ASIN: B00000JGYB
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #163,014 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Antoinette Botsford, NAPRA Review, Vol 10 No 5

A dervish is a Sufi ecstatic who whirls in circles in order to harmonize himself with the revolutions of the universe. ...Dervish is a word for "threshold,"... This album, Dede's second on Golden Horn, takes us through our own inner gateways, traveling to many reaches of the world without and within: an Australian didjeridu echoes, a Buddhist chants, crickets chirp, birds sing, drums and rattles rat and tat -- even the sounds of splashing water gush through -- reinforcing the dynamic tension of a soul reaching with persistent energy for the Beloved. "Fire Drums" magnificently conveys the journey to and from trance. Dede's ney (reed flute) is prominent on more than half the tracks. ...Faroukh Shams' astonishing vocals, which are featured in the first and last selections, warble, ascend, and descend with amazing control and versatility, conveying possibilities of meaning that extend well beyond mere words. A masterpiece.

Lloyd Barde, Backroads

The success of "Sufi Dreams" was somewhat surprising in light of how unusually deceptive that music is. ...On the follow-up, titled "Journeys of a Dervish," it seems like a further step is taken even deeper into the Sufi worlds. Compelling, intense rhythms and drum sounds take over on a couple tracks, clearing the mind and challenging the listener. Traditional Persian songs offer evocative, sensual counterpoint, and the guest vocalists on three or four tracks really deliver, matching the power of the music with emotion and a yearning that cuts right through any cultural reference points. Mercan Dede plays ney (reed flute), bendir (frame drum), udu drum, cymbals, water drum and synthesizers, adds chanting in parts, and provides the arrangements and the majority of the music. Other key players and vocalists join in the spirit of this powerful CD, with its combination of healing prayers, fire journeys, remembrances, and ceremonial devotion.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars journey..., November 25, 2000

By	anemon (turkey) - See all my reviews

it is really a journey to somewhere mystical... a journey to somewhere deep inside of your heart... close your eyes, let the music get into your body from your ears first... than from all other senses... let it surround your mind... and, finally, let it reach to your heart!!. let mercan dede help you to see what is inside of you heart...