Osuna – Along the Silk Road (Uren Production, 2023)
The work titled “Along the Silk Road” is an exceptional artistic production by the world music ensemble Osuna, which commemorates their 15-year-long journey of musical exploration. This CD, paired with an artwork book, is an excellent manifestation of the convergence of three distinct musical traditions across Europe, Asia, and China. The aim is to unravel the kind of music that Marco Polo would have encountered during his travels to the Far East.
This project features three talented musicians: Thomas Baeté, a troubadour and medieval viol player from Europe; Emre Gültekin, a virtuoso on all kinds of long-necked lutes, singer, and percussionist from Asia; and Raphaël De Cock, the artistic leader, lead vocal, and multi-instrumentalist. The ensemble collaborated with several guest musicians, including Li-Ling Huang, Talía González Fumadó, Malte Stueck, Malabika Brahma, and Hua Xia, to create an exceptional and harmonious musical experience.
To further enhance the artistic appeal of this project, Osuna enlisted the services of sand artist Colette Dedyn, who offers live sand art performances during their concerts. The CD-booklet takes the form of an artwork book, which showcases stills of Dedyn’s creations, complementing the explanations about the musical pieces, instruments, and styles heard on the CD.
The CD features eleven beautifully crafted tracks, including traditional and contemporary compositions, such as the Khakassia lullaby, the Tuscan Saltarello, and the North Macedonian Mečkin Kamen. Other tracks include the West Anatolian Soğuk kuyu Zeybeği, the Khakassia Medley, and the Legend of the Goddess of Silk, among others.
Musicians: Thomas Baeté on vocals, vihuela de arco; Emre Gültekin on vocals, long-necked lutes (saz), percussion (daf, bendir, tombak); and Raphaël De Cock on vocals, overtone throat singing (khöömeï), South Siberian zithers (chatkhan), mouth harps, woodwinds (kaval, bawu, khobyrakh), artistic director.
Guest musicians: Li-Ling Huang on Chinese zithers (guqin, guzheng); Talía González Fumadó on vocals; Malte Stueck on percussion (davul); Malabika Brahma on percussion (dubki); and Hua Xia on Chinese lute (pipa).
Sand artist: Colette Dedyn (De Zandmuze)
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.
Dear Romero, This is delightful and peaceful, evoking a time of free integration of the best traditions of cultures and traditions. Where are you based? How can you monetise this excellent work? Cheers, Cyril