Turkish and Romani traditional

Syredin, Dinleyin                Asena 2005                       Turkish mix
This album is half solid oriental, half modern mix.  The orientale is powerful: keyboard, violin, and
clarinet underlined by davul and riq with a fiery darbouka play precisely composed maqsum pieces,
interlaced with masmoudi and other accents, loaded with stops and accents.  Unbounded energy
and undeniable skill demand to be incorporated in a nightclub set.  There is a drum solo that rocks
the light, finger techinque emphasized by heavy bass drums.  However, starting with track 4 we see
the other side of the album: a fast, subliminal techno version of “Elise” (led by clarinet but all else is
electronic).  Two tracks have English vocals.  The album blends traditional orientale with modern
experimentation; the experimentation is interesting, but I find it ultimately less compelling than the
other electronica and pop reviewed here.  However, for straight ahead Turkish orientale, the
traditional half of this album is spectacular, and for that reason I recommend dancers buy it: you’re
paying for half an album, but the half is more than twice as good as most albums.
Overall: Good
Danceability: Half Wonderful, half unremarkable
Drum use: Half Wonderful, half not significant

The Art of Seduction, Gypsy Nights, Belly Dance Music from the Balkans
Roma (Macedonia)
The sound comprises accordion, clarinet, doumbek, and female vocals, with occasional
tambourine.  Selections are all traditional folk songs, about half in 9/8, of varying tempos.  The
mood is light-hearted, the production quality so-so.  Recommended for Roma enthusiasts and those
interested in Balkan music, but not particularly suited for a nightclub, cabaret setting.
Overall:  Moderate
Danceability:  Moderate (Roma)
Drum use:  Moderate