Funk Music and Sufism
Mustafa Sinan Özel | 04/07/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The music of Mercan Dede, or with his other name DJ Alan Arkin, is taking us to a travel in the land of Sufism. I was very suprised when I first listened to this album. To find Sufist teachings hidden in a funk/house album, was really a new thing. Mercan Dede, did not only use the background and rythm from Sufi Music but also the teachings. Especially the song "Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi", named after the famous Persian Sufi, is a 5 Star song of the album. Without using words Mercan Dede manages to show that life is a circle. "Walking on the Red Sea", is a good example of how Mercan Dede is succesful in mixing Sufi Rythm with other backgrounds. In my opinion these points helps this album become universal and reach audiences far beyond any other etnic funk album would do."
Sufi's Rule!
Cathey Chesney | Somewhere Warm | 06/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have read the poetic works of Jalaluddin Al Din Rumi for many years now ~ long before the tragedy of 9/11 cast the Islamic culture into such a harsh, uncomplimentary light, (mostly by the western media).
The words of this great teacher, who was known by all his contemporaries as "The Master" are so heartbreakingly beautiful that most of his poems will drive me to tears. I was overjoyed when I found this album, completely by accident on Amazon ~ and was able to hear many of his poetic works and his teachings put into the beautiful, exotic music of this culture. Thank you, Mercan Dede, I cannot wait to hear your other albums!"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1