Anatolian lyric, sung in Turkish, Arabic and Kurdish, comes alive in transparent arrangements. Ancient traditional songs are performed with a contemporary approach as well as original, new compositions of Turkish-Arab vocalist, guitarist and saz player Göksel Yilmaz, influenced by traditional music and western styles like jazz, blues and classical are part of the remarkable repertoire.
The playing of the Göksel Yilmaz Ensemble is characterized by its great rhythmic force blended with a particularly beautiful spectrum of sounds and instruments. In combination with the almost mystical feel of the vocals an inspiring musical flow is created. The soft music of this unique ensemble, invites listeners to immerse themselves in the mystic of the east. The harmonized "dance" between the violin and the guitar is captivating. The gentle and heart-warming singing makes you wander in a dream. The carrying double bass gives you a warm and safe feeling. The exciting sounds of the percussion reminds you of your heartbeat and shows you the way.
With their new program "Gezgin" ("The Traveler") the listener is invited to a musical journey through life, from yearning to uprising, from sorrow to intense love and joy.

Göksel Yilmaz was born in the Netherlands and is of Arabic descent. He grew up in South Turkey. At a very young age he began to play the saz and specialized himself later in Turkish traditional music. During his high school years, he formed his first band. Later he returned to the Netherlands where he started to play classical guitar.

Göksel Yilmaz: vocals, guitar, saz, cura, fretless guitar, oud and ney,
Anne Bakker: violin, Ulas Aksünger: percussion, Sándor Kém: double bass

http://www.gokselyilmaz.nl

Samples and videos