lockdown : vinyl find #47.

Attention : masterpiece. 

Picture yourself in the "1001 Nights". But then it becomes weird... 

While in Izmir, I found this cluster of record stores in the bazar that was incredible. Lots of rarities there and a guy who would just let you listen to anything you want. His shop is a bit strangely  designed, with a huge desk in the middle of a small room, and records shelved on a few levels upon one of the walls. But start dropping names and he'll feed you. 

I can't remember in which store I bought this one by Okay Temiz, but it's one of the best decision I've ever made in terms of records. Expensive, but with a reason. And because it was relatively pricey, when I found a very new cheap reissue in a bookstore, I bought it as well. So I came back from Turkey with two copies of "Zikir". Twice the joy.  

Okay Temiz, a famed percussionist from Turkey, had developed his own instruments, and showcased them on his albums, including "Zikir". A difficult album to describe, full of experimentations, definitely linked to the Ottoman spirit, but including jazz innovations. There are also elements from abroad, and a bit of fusion hints (the record was recorded in Istanbul in 1979).  

The mix of old/traditional/authentic and new/experimental/creative makes the album a difficult album to get into, but once the listener has found the key to it, the pleasure is just maximized. 

Temiz proved the world to be a genius, virtuoso and innovator with this one, leading a band (watch out for Aka Gündüz Kutbay on the ney) that follows his guidance with discipline and some kind of cool. 

So essential that there's no shame in owning it twice or more. 

Okay Temiz & Oriental Wind - Zikir.

Here's the album, as a YouTube playlist.

Could have picked another Temiz's album, I know... The sign of a true master.