 JALAL ZOLFONUN: TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM IRANKord Bayat Jalal Zolfonun, master of the setar (four stringed long-necked lute), comes from a musical family and is well renowned as musician, teacher and researcher in his native Iran. Kord Bayat is an entrancing recording of Persian Classical Music, permeated with a mystical and contemplative quality. Vibrant and soothing, much of the music is structured around rhythms similar to that of poetic speech. Jalal is accompanied by his son Soheil Zolfonun on setar and Bijan Zangeneh on def (frame drum) and dumbek (hourglass drum). Kord Bayat is one of the first Persian classical recordings available on an Western label. A must for string music lovers. (MOW 134) |
MEMORIES OF HERAT: INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OF AFGHANISTAN Aziz Herawi
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Beautiful instrumental music and folk songs from Afghanistan are performed by Aziz Herawi, a virtuoso on the 14 stringed dutar and rubab (Afghan lutes). He is joined by Siar Ahmad Hazeq on tabla, Omar Herawi on the zirbaghali drum, and others. (LAT 50602) MYSTIC JOURNEYJalal and Soheil Zolfonun Jalal and Soheil Zolfonun rank among the most accomplished performers on the four string Persian lute called setar. This recording features both masters performing in timeless string duets, and other songs feature drum and occasional vocals. The music is passionate, mystical and engaging, and includes Persian classical melodies as well as modern compositions and setar improvisations. Informative notes on the songs and the music tradition are enclosed. (MOW 155) |
 MYSTERIES OF TURKEYTalip Ozkan The mysterious and exotic sound of the saz, a long-necked lute, is the focus of this recording. Talip Ozkan, a master musician from Turkey, presents traditional songs and dance melodies from his homeland with this unique instrument. Both solo saz and accompanying vocal selections are featured. (MOW 115) |
 BAYRAMBayram Bilge Toker The baglama is the most popular stringed instrument of Turkey. In the hands of a skilled musician such as Bayram Bilge Toker, its beautiful and mysterious sound, at times accompanied by vocals, makes for an immediately appealing recording. A variety of styles from all over Turkey are represented. (MOW 122) |
 MUSIC OF TURKEY The Necdet Yasar Ensemble Necdet Yasar is a celebrated grandmaster of the tanbur, a long-necked lute which is the leading instrument of the Turkish makam music. This extended-length recording takes the listener on an exciting journey through various types of Turkish music forms including Sufi, Mevlevi and Ottoman Court Music. The seven piece group performs together and in solo and duet sections to provide a musical balance that is engaging and appealing to the listener. (MOW 128) |