Su (Double Moon)
Some of Europe’s most cutting-edge music is coming out of Istanbul’s electronic scene. The multi-instrumentalist and producer Mercan Dede is in its vanguard, but his work also crosses over to a world music audience via his sophisticated blend of contemporary dance sounds, ancient Sufi melodies and other traditional Turkish elements.
Whether or not Su creates “an archway leading to eternity and unity”, as the liner notes claim, is debatable, but Dede’s fifth album is certainly his most inventive. To Sufi sounds and electronica he adds influences drawn from India, the Mediterranean and the Balkans. The singer Susheela Raman and the sitar player Sheema Mukherjee provide the Indian dimension. The haunting voice of Dhafer Youssef finds a flavour of North Africa floating up the Bosphorus, while the violinist Hugh Marsh adds a flamenco touch. At times Su risks sounding like world Muzak, but at its best it’s compelling.
Nigel Williamson