Latif Bolat is one of the most distinguished Turkish musicians in the US. With a vast repertory that includes songs in classical folk and Sufi music styles he accompanies himself on the baglama (long-necked lute) and various other traditional instruments from the Turkish folk music tradition.
Bolat is a native of the Turkish Mediterranean town of Mersin. After receiving his degree in folklore and music at Gazi University in Ankara Turkey he taught traditional music throughout Eastern Anatolia. He then went on to manage a musical theater company Ankara Halk Tiyatrosu which performed traditional musical plays. Latif Bolat now resides in the United States where he teaches music plays concerts gives lectures and composes soundtracks for television such as the music used in George Lucas’ series Young Indiana Jones.
During his visits to his homeland Turkey Latif Bolat has performed and lectured at various radio stations and cultural institutions and conservatories in Istanbul and Ankara.
The California Art Council rewarded Mr. Bolat with a grant in 1991 for his contributions to the preservation of Turkish folk music. Latif Bolat directed the San Francisco based Latif Bolat Turkish Music Ensemble. He also serves as musical director for the Mevlevi Association of America “Whirling Dervishes” a Sufi organization which stages public performances of movement with live Turkish classical music.
Latif Bolat has also composed music for TV including soundtrack music for George Lucas Studios’ TV series “Young Indiana Jones” and PBS documentary: Mohammed: Legacy of a Prophet.
Discography:
Infinite Beginning: Devotional Songs of Turkey (1997)
Ask Olsun: Let There Be Love (2000)
Eyvallah: Songs of Surrender (2002)
Gul: The Rose (2005)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
