~ MUSIC REVIEW ~ “ Sound of the Sultans ”: Omar Faruk Tekbilek , Ibrahim Turmen , Amin and Raymond Khoury , Sherif Sarakby , Nick Mouganis , and Hadji Tekbilek - the Sultans band
By Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan
Just released , “ Sound of the Sultans ” by the label LifeArt , is the album joining together eleven remastered versions of some of the band ’ s best works . The leader of the Sultans , Omar Faruk Tekbilek , formed the Sultans with his brother-in-law , Ibrahim Turmen , way back in the seventies . Since then , some of the most talented musicians , such as Sherif Sarakby , Nick Mouganis , Hadji Tekbilek , Amine , and Raymond Khoury , have played in the Sultans . “ Sound of the Sultans ” delivers eleven pieces of significant cultural importance , remastered from original recordings , and carefully restored to improve the quality of the songs while keeping the artistic interpretations untouched .
Listening to the “ Sound of the Sultans ” evokes many memories , and I realize why dancers who began performing in the 70s are improvisational performers . Before the advent of music on cassette tapes and cell phones , we all performed with live bands , many playing Turkish songs .
I fondly remember performing with The Sultans at a performance in San Francisco in the 70s . And I have memories of other beautiful performances with bands playing some of these same Turkish pieces as I recall the many shows with Scirocco band ( CA , USA ) and my Turkish bands when performing in Germany .
I enjoy collaborating with Faruk to develop music reviews for his music that define the music and rhythms and offers opportunities and possibilities for performance with his music . Dancers , teachers and dance students finally have the opportunity to cherish and enjoy the music of The Sultans band .
This album from The Sultans reimagines the band that recorded several cassette tapes many years ago . This music drives you to dance your best and enjoy performing because the music and the arrangements are so vibrant . Another reason you will want this music – for all those who have attended Middle East Music and Dance Camp at the Mendocino Highlands Campground in California – you now have an opportunity to fill the void that exists because COVID prevented us from gathering and enjoying Faruk ’ s music at Camp .
September 2022 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 51