I am pleased to present this recording from Turkey, via Greece, from a brilliant singer and kanun player now living in Greece.

Lee Blackstone writes in his review: The self-titled recording by Turkish musician Görkem Saoulis is akin to taking a trip back in time. However, as the author L.P. Hartley famously stated, "The past is a foreign country." Saoulis' skill as a vocalist and a player of kanun (a zither found in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries) is the main attraction. In addition to Turkish songs, the album features Azeri (Azerbaijani) and Greek selections as well. Crucially, Görkem Saoulis and the Greek musician Yannis Saoulis (who has arranged this repertoire) seek to infuse the music with influences from both sides of the Aegean Sea. The album thus feels familiar, in its evocation of the past, but in a contemporary twist the music conveys the desire to make clear the indebtedness of dialogue between countries and peoples. You can read Lee's full review in RootsWorld now.

These CDs were donated by the artist and EasternGate, so all proceeds go to support the magazine and radio program.
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Listen to some of the music on the album: "Sevda Zinciri" "Ben Seni Sevdigumi" (excerpt) "Görkem'in Vedasi" (excerpt) Ada sahillerinde bekliyorum..." (excerpt) Photo: Theo Bit All audio is ©Eastern Gate and used by permission

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