Comments for Tekbilek, Omar Faruk, One Truth

AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Omar Faruk Tekbilek's One Truth continues his exploration of the mystical sounds of Sufism, blending Middle Eastern instruments like the ney flute and modern electronic textures into intense, intricate works. The album's songs of devotion showcase Tekbilek's technical skill as well as his intuitive understanding of this passionate and spiritual music. -- Heather Phares

Turkish virtuoso Omar Faruk Tekbilek opens a window into the divine passion and poetry of Sufism, the mystical sect of Islam. Burning performances on Middle Eastern instruments, intricate rythyms and intense devotional songs of slowly unfolding magnificence create an ideal world where old and new cultures comingle, and time is suspended in the One Truth of music.

Just a few years ago, Omar Faruk Tekbilek could be found playing for belly dancers with his group, the Sultans. But with One Truth, he further establishes himself as an artist to be reckoned with in his own right. The Turkish-born Tekbilek has been working a Middle Eastern fusion since his Suleyman the Magnificent soundtrack with producer-composer Brin Keane. One Truth follows the trail blazed by the ensuing albums, such as Beyond the Sky, upping the rhythmic ante with some deeply layered percussion tracks and letting Faruk cut loose with ecstatic Sufi wails. But this is a mostly instrumental affair. Tekbilek plays just about every Turkish instrument you can think of, including the ney, darbouka, oud, def, and bendir. And that's just on one track. On "I Love You," he carves gorgeous melodies on the ney flute as lush arrangements from producer-keyboardist Ron Yuval surround him. Flamenco guitarist Adam Del Monte rips across the throbbing percussion of "Red Skies," and "ARA'ya" strikes a more contemplative mood with a deep and low ney flute over drones and birds. If there is One Truth, this album gets close to it. --John Diliberto