Göç

Born in Turkey and currently residing in Athens, Cihan Türkoğlu is a lifelong practitioner of the Turkish folk lute bağlama saz. Over many years, Türkoğlu’s multidisciplinary approach to his instrument – as well as training in classical cello – has cultivated a unique identity, marrying both the traditional and the progressive.

Drawing on idioms from Greece, Turkey, Armenia and Persia, the music on Göç is built around themes of migration. Though rather than just the literal sense of the word, Türkoğlu is primarily concerned with a deeper and broader feeling – ‘a migration of emotions, thoughts, and even the soul.’ This allusion to the sublime is well established by the exquisite opening track ‘Düğüm’, which begins with shimmering lyra harmonics, courtesy of collaborator Kelly Thoma. The following title-track – a lament to separation – carries a more fraught emotional weight, represented by the cries of Nikos Paraoulakis’ ney (flute), and the bassy resonance of Bijan Chemirani’s zarb (goblet drum). While the instrumental performances across Göç are never less than superb – not least the contributions by modal music virtuoso Ross Daly and the ethereal duduk improvisation of Haig Sarikouyoumdjian – the strength lies in the richness of the compositions, which are both melodically and spiritually generous. Türkoğlu’s broadness of perspective shapes the music on this release, which impeccably balances the contemporary with the ancient, while successfully managing to tap into something more ineffable.