Comments for Tekbilek, Omar Faruk, Crescent Moon

Middle Eastern multi-instrumentalist Omar Tekbilek gets solo billing for Crescent Moon even though it is produced by longtime collaborator and keyboardist Brian Keane. Keane also contributes as a musician, along with fellow synthesizer player Steve Roach and several other more-acoustic performers, but the overall sound is close to Tekbilek's roots and traditions. With a couple of exceptions (notably "Salute to the Sun," a heartfelt ambient piece with some vocals from Tekbilek), the 10 cuts are upbeat acoustic exercises using percussion and string and woodwind instruments in traditional settings, with just the slightest hint of electronic washes in the production. Not that the music needs any bolstering; it is sonic enough in its own right. With Crescent Moon, the ancient symbol of the Ottoman Empire and Islam, Tekbilek builds on his reputation as a master musician of great integrity who is interpreting ancient music for today's audience. --Derek Rath