Hello all. I'm a new member here, and I love all of Loreena's work. I'm also a fan of DCD and Lisa Gerrard. I'm a somewhat recent addition to the world and folk music scene, and I'm wondering if anyone here could help me out. I'm looking for recommendations for other artists. Specifically, any instrumental productions. I'm particularly fond of the Loreena's songs Marco Polo, Santiago, and Kecharitomene. I love the flavor of this music. Does anyone here know of anything in a similar vein that they wouldn't mind sharing the information here with me? Thank you all kindly for your time, and have a wonderful day.
I've thought it'd be better to copy an excellent review I've found in amazon.com in order that you know what it is about: "While living in northern Spain (Burgos, Castilla y León), I travelled to Cuéllar. Part of my trip involved visiting the castle and Mudéjar church of St. Martín de Cuéllar (built in the 12th century). Inside the church, we participated in a multimedia journey through the church's construction by Jewish, Christian and Moorish craftsmen during the Convivéncia, the period of time when the three religions coexisted peacefully in Spain. This CD is the soundtrack to the multimedia exhibit, and stands alone well, recorded between 1995-1999. The composer, Eduardo Paniagua, is also a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing psaltery, flutes, cymbals, drums and effects.
A brief note: as the majority of Spain was under Moorish control from 711-1492 AD, Islamic poetry, artwork and music greatly influenced Spanish culture. The word "mudéjar" refers to Muslims who lived and worked in northern Spain's Christian society. An alarife was an architect. Mudéjar architecture is characterized by ornate plasterwork in geometric designs, repeating arches, and the extensive use of brick.
Each track covers a specific theme regarding the construction, including pillars, arches, and vaults, plasterwork, the atrium, bricklaying, tile laying, etc. Arabic instruments (derbuka, oud, dulcimer, nay, a muezzin chanting) are interspersed with nature sounds (frogs, crickets, fountains, water). On the haunting "La Alfombra," sacred chants from the three traditions (Gregorian chant, Judaic ceremonial chant, and Islamic chant) are fused. There is even an appearance from the Cantiga of Alfonso X El Sabio (Fiesta de Santa María). I will never forget "Las Velas: De pronto se llenó"--at that point in the exhibit, we each took a candle and lit a grid of candles in the floor one by one, accompanied by the waltzing, Celtic rhythms of flute, tinkling bells, and dulcimer as the candle flames danced.
The CD case and liner notes are gorgeous and well-documented, including bilingual (Spanish/English) history for each track, a brief history of Mudéjar art and medieval Spanish history, the religious background of La Convivéncia, and more. The artwork is reproduced from miniatures from Alfonso X's "Cantigas de Santa María", photos of San Martín, Mudéjar tapestries and plasterwork, and conceptual sketches of the church's interpretation centre.
Not strictly a historical recording of Mudéjar music (of which there are many, both in Spain and abroad, although fewer in number), but a fascinating interpretation of an important moment in Spanish history, as well as a beautiful collaboration of Islamic, Jewish and Christian medieval sacred music.
(More information on the town of Cuéllar (a bastion of Mudéjar architecture and the home of the Church of San Martín, for which this music was composed), can be found at www.aytocuellar.es)".
"Ömer Faruk Tekbilek" is another Turkish Ney virtuosos (Nay or Reed Flute). Ömer was inspired by "Head Neyzen" (Master) "Aka Gündüz Kutbay" I also like Ömer but i prefer Mercan Dede. I don't like Mercan Dede's type because his type is opposite of Sufi Tradition.
In Turkish "Mercan" = Coral In Turkish "Dede"= Grandfather
In Old Turkish Tradition "Dede" has different meanings too. They are mystics, they are esoteric, they have dignity... But you see Mercan Dede (his name is Arkın ILICALI) when he play ney with his punk hair style with his strange type. But nevertheless he has good character and after listening some old songs of Mercan Dede your mind will be relax. For example these ones:
I don't know what do you feel and think when you listen sufi music. Every song tells a story. His music is changed and ornamented form of sufi music. I will explain this song just a little. "Şems" is a Arabic word and means "güneş" in Turkish, "sun" in English (Şems=Shams). Tebriz (Tabriz) was an ancient city in Persia. Şems-i Tebrizi was a Azeri Turkish man and close friend of Mevlana. Şems saw Mevlana lots of times in his dreams before met and knew him face to face then he decided to look for Mevlana and came to Konya (a city in Turkey) and found him there. This song tells "Dream of Şems-i Tebrizi", i mean dream of a mystic.
Posts: 143 | Location: Istanbul | Registered: November 26, 2006
Hi, those are great suggestions and I've put both, Vas and Mercan Dede on my wishlist after hearing some samples.
I recently got Iarla O'Lionaird (irish sean-nos singer) Barry Phillips (cello-player) Omar Faruk Tekbilek (sufi / new age) to complete my collection
For those, who are into irish music, I recommend Shaun Davey, an irish composer with works like "The Brendan Voyage" or "The Pilgrim". Those are works for orchestra with soloist (uillean pipes, harp, fiddle or vocals).
Thomas
Posts: 22 | Location: Germany - near Lake Constance | Registered: November 02, 2006
Have you ever heard Turkish "Mercan Dede"? Since i play reed flute sometimes i listen to his music. Although i don't like his type and his music so much, some of my friends from Europe like "Mercan Dede". I am not sure but probably you will like him too. His real Turkish name is "Arkın Ilcalı" but after he married with a Canadian woman people know him outside as Arken Alen (Allen)
I am writing his albums here:
Sufi Dreams 1996 Journeys of Dervish 1999 Seyahatname 2001 Nar 2002 Fusion Monster 2004 Su 2004 Nefes 2006
Posts: 143 | Location: Istanbul | Registered: November 26, 2006
Originally posted by Celtickat: I just lost my original post to you--so I'll make this brief just in case it went through...weird.
Check out Azam Ali and her original duo called Vas, with Greg Ellis. She now has a trio called Niyaz, with Loga Ramin Torkian and Carmen Rizzo and the music is okay but I rather like the other, better.
Big DCD/Lisa Gerrard fan here, too! Oh, and I'm always 'up' for learning of other eclectic-style world music artists, as well. I think it's no accident that many people who enjoy Loreena so much also like to listen to these others menioned here as well!
Thank you so much. I've bought a couple of albums on itunes this week following your suggestions. I really appreciate the advice
Oh, and I'm always 'up' for learning of other eclectic-style world music artists, as well. I think it's no accident that many people who enjoy Loreena so much also like to listen to these others menioned here as well! 
