Mystical Garden

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 (Amazon.com)

Artist: Omar Faruk Tekbilek

Album: Mystical Garden

Year: 1996

Label: Celestial Harmonies

Personnel:

Omar Faruk Tekbilek: Ney, Kavala, Zurna, Baglama, Jura, Oud, Darbuka, Bendir, Tambourine, Davul, Finger Cymbals, Synthesizers, Vocals.

Brian Keane: Guitars, Synthesizers, Arrangements, Basses, Percussion, Cymbals, Drums.

Hassan Isikkut: Kanun, Violin.

Arto Tuncboyaciyan: Frame Drums, Shakers, Bells, Bendirs, Zil, Triangle, Guiro, Davul, Water Bowl, Vocals (tracks 1,3,7), Percussion (track 2).

Ara Dinkjian: Oud, Cumbus (tracks 3,5,7)

Dan Pickering: Flugelhorn (track 1)

Track List:

1. other side of the river
2. magic of the evening
3. laz
4. shashkin
5. hasret
6. egyptian dance
7. three last words
8. mystical garden
9. hu allah

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Beyond The Sky

The third collaboration between Brian Keane and Faruk Tekbilek is considered by many critics to be the best of all their collaborations. This was the first CD on which Brian and Faruk were joined by the incredibly gifted Middle Eastern musicians Arto Tuncboyaciyan (percussion), Ara Dinkjian (oud), and Hasan Isikkut (kanun). The CD is magic from start to finish, employing haunting performances of immense spiritual depth with fiery ensemble pieces of incredible virtuosity. The CD was a major hit in the Middle East, and spawned a tour that included sold out concerts at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Timeless with an exotic Middle Eastern atmosphere and impeccable musicianship, this CD is considered by many to be among Brian Keane's best releases as an artist. ~ (briankeanemusic.com)

Artist: Brian Keane & Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Album: Beyond The Sky
Year: 1992
Label: Celestial Harmonies

Personnel:

Brian Keane: Ovation acoustic nylon string, 12 string steel guitars, 6 string steel guitar, electric slide guitar, bottleneck acoustic guitar, synthesizers, sound effects, bass, all percussion on "strange little corner", additional percussion on "kolyami", and "sweet trouble", low bottles on "Siseler".
Omar Faruk Tekbilek: Ney, Kaval, Zurna, Bagiama, Darbuka, drum solo on "selemet", melody synthesizer on "your love is my cure", "selemet", "nighttime", and "al fatiha".
Ara Dinkjian: Oud
Arto Tuncboyaciyan: All percussion on "beyond the sky", "imaginary traveller", "bridge", "your love is my cure", percussion solo on "imaginary traveller", all percussion except darbuka andf tambourine on "chargah sirto", "nighttime", and "siseler", bandir and low drum on "siseler", main bottles on "siseler".
Hassan Isikkut: Kanun

Track List:

1. Beyond the Sky
   
2. Imaginary Traveler
   
3. Kolaymi
   
4. Bridge
   
5. Chargah Sirto
   
6. Your Love Is My Cure
   
7. Selemet
   
8. Nighttime
   
9. Strange Little Corner
   
10. Siseler
    
11. Sweet Trouble
    
12. Al Fatiha
    

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