 Discuss
    |
Turquoise, an large improv group led by Turkish/Danish drummer Atilla Engin, takes the idea of world music
and applies it in a much broader sense than the usual. First and foremost on this record, of course, is
traditional Anatolian music—which constitutes three tracks. These reconstructions enrich the original Turkish
melodies with African percussion and Afro-American jazz harmonies. The remainder of the record consists of a
highly varied mixture of cultural elements, native instruments, and percussion from Anatolian, African, and
Afro-American jazz traditions. Half the tracks are recorded live, while the remainder come from the studio.
As you might imagine, Turquoise delivers anything but the expected. While portions of this record sag from too much drab synth texture, other parts scintillate because they cover a wide dynamic range and make effective use of the huge variety of percussion available to this group. So it's a mixed bag: Mosaic of Anatolia is a real mosaic of sound, where you're likely to find some really inventive and satisfying music packed together with the occasional static and over-produced tune. Take your pick—listen carefully.
Track listing: Mosaic of Anatolia; Magical Zurna on the Run; Yemen Turkusu; In Love With Blue; Gekte Yildiz Ay Misin?;
Gilharmonic; Leyla; Perquana Amerikana; Scrumpy Feel; Istanbul and Beyond.
Personnel: Atilla Engin: misc. percussion, voice, electric piano; Gilad: misc. percussion; Frank Colon: misc. percussion; Stephan Crump: electric and acoustic bass; Ray Ippolito: guitar, synth guitar; Hale Birgl: vocals; Adam Klipple: keyboard; John Kruth: African bamboo flute, kaval, mouth harmonica, zurna; Dan Jordan: tenor and alto saxes, flute.
Style: Fringes of Jazz |
Published: November 01, 2000
More Articles by Nils Jacobson
 |
Scott Wilkie More Than You Know |
 |
Matthew Brubeck/David Widelock Monk/Not Monk |
|
Vidna Obmana Memories Compiled2 |
|
Don Friedman Quartet Match Point |
|
Marshall Allen Quartet Featuring Mark Whitecage Mark-n-Marshall: Monday |
|
Ray Armando Mallet Hands |
|
Most Read: CD Reviews Last 30 Days | All Time |
Most Read: Articles Last 30 Days | All Time |
