Mercan Dede Su CD

"Su" is the Turkish word for "water," and water is the theme that unifies all of the tracks on this strange and deeply beautiful album. Featuring musical elements and guest musicians from India, Iran, the Balkans, Mediterranean Europe and Britain, as well as Mercan Dede's native Turkey, Su draws on Sufi mysticism for its symbolism and on just about everything else in the world for its melodies and beats. That's not to say that the sound is cluttered or frenetic, though -- there is a deep calm to this music, a consistent beauty that sometimes gives way to eeriness even as jaunty didgeridoos and jazzy breakbeats float in and out of the mix. "Ab-I Nâfi" offers some of the album's funkiest moments, with its thrumming string bass, dubwise production effects and rap interlude (courtesy of Turkish rapper Ceza). "Ab-I Zen" is similarly rhythmically compelling, though in a more laid-back, trip-hoppy way. On the more contemplative side are the beautiful "Ab-I Beka" (which features the wonderful Indian singer Susheela Raman) and "Ab-I Çesm," which is based on a traditional melody from the Kerkuk region of Iraq. This is an album that amply rewards repeated listening. ~ Rick Anderson

Personnel: Susheela Raman (vocals); Ceza (rap vocals); Hugh Marsh (electric violin); Trans Global Underground, Sheema Mukherjee, Dhafer Youssef, Göksel Baktagir, Aukut Sutoglo.