Seu

Part of a planned series focusing on the elements, this CD was inspired by Mercan Dede's meditations on the shores of the Bosphorus and it shows. 'Su' is the Turkish word for water, and indeed every song on this CD is named for a different kind of water. Sometimes it's the water of ecstasy, as on 'Ab-i Tarab' which is accompanied by the clarinet, while others times it's more seren, as on 'Ab-i Verd' and 'Ab-i Zen'. 'Ab-i Hayat' is uplifting and lively, while 'Ab-i Beste' is mysterious and haunting. The twelve tracks on this CD showcase a wide range of moods and feelings, but all show a marvelous blend of modern electronica with Turkish instrumentation, percussion and sensibilities. This makes the CD both exotic and enticing to western listeners, even those who aren't familiar with Middle Eastern music. A couple songs drift even further east, showing Indian influences. 'Ab-i La'l' features the Indian sitar, while Tamil singer Susheela Raman lends her voice to 'Ab-i Beka'. In my opinion, this CD represents Mercan Dede's most powerful work to date, and I enjoyed it greatly. When I have more money, I intend to buy more of his CDs, but until then, this is a great example of the new generation of Middle Eastern musicians. I strongly recommend this CD to anyone interested in Turkish electronica, and fans of music in general, since you don't have to speak Turkish to appreciate the beauty of this music.

Great ambiance while definitely still Turkish/Balkan

I have purchased "Mercan Dede"s music before. I have found that with this album his music is becoming more of a world music. For example, the track #2 (I don't have the names with me) has a nice Mediterranean main tune while the song's dominant instrument is I believe Indian sitar. In addition to track #2, my other favorite tracks are #6 and #8.

exactly what you would want...sexy rhythm, wonderful, exotic melodies!

An astonishing work of intricate delicacy and daring creativity. Mercan Dede makes a quantum leap in his maturity as an artist. The different instruments, oriental and classical, western electronic and rap singing are not merely mixed. Way beyond those artificial divisions, they are used indistinctly by the artist to gradually build the climax of this Sufi ritual, and to express with the tools of today the ancient tradition of approaching Divinity through the purest artistic beauty. All notions of east and west, past and future, are transcended and disappear into the constant swirls of the waters (Su) of the Bosphorus - whirling like Dervishes.Listen, surrender, dissolve and elevate.

I enjoy listening to this CD during short periods (30 minutes) of time while driving long distances. It evokes imagery of places I have never been to, and that is interesting to me. It creates dreamy but sullen images which is why I can only enjoy it in short spurts. I prefer the instrumental pieces more than those where voices enter in. They seem to get in the way of the music sometimes because the voices are in a higher in pitch than I enjoy.It is a terrific CD to have as background music at an opening where the art and music can mingle peacefully.