Here is the first-ever collection of sharki music recorded with traditional instruments. Dating back to the 18th century, sharki is a dark and bluesy offshoot from Turkish classical music lamenting the decline of the Ottoman Empire, and the shivery-voiced
Sipahi conveys deep recesses of collective sorrow with her subdued vocal delivery. The eight-piece
Kudsi Erguner ensemble adds colorful accompaniment. It is tightly focused, starkly arranged, and emotionally compelling. ~ Bob Tarte