Oghlan Bhakhsi – Journey Across The Steppes (Felmay Records, 2023)
“Journey Across the Steppes” presents a collection of mesmerizing Turkmen traditional melodies and instrumental compositions, exquisitely performed by Turkmen bagşy (bard) and dutar (lute) virtuoso, Oghlan Bakhshi (Mohammad Geldi Geldi Nejad). Born in 1993 within the Turkmen region of Iran, this young maestro embarked upon his musical journey under the tutelage of his father, Abdolghaffar Geldinejad, a master of the gyjak, a Central Asian spike fiddle.
At the tender age of 9, owing to his extraordinary aptitude and mastery of the craft, a council of Turkmen music maestros bestowed upon him the coveted title of Oghlan Bakhshi, signifying a virtuoso who has achieved exceptional proficiency in the art of dutar performance and vocal prowess at a youthful age. Remarkably, Oghlan Bakhshi is only the second individual within the last century to have earned this prestigious distinction, the first being the eminent Sahy Jepbarow (1905-1977), one of the foremost luminaries of the bagşy performance school. Oghlan Bhakhsi’s musical education further flourished under the guidance of revered Turkmen music luminaries, including Çary Sähetmyradow, Osman Güjimow, and Akmyrat Çaryýew.
Having graduated from the Turkmen National Conservatory in Turkmenistan, Oghlan Bakhshi currently pursues postgraduate studies in ethnomusicology at Wesleyan University in the United States. From his early years, he has mesmerized audiences with his captivating renditions of Turkmen traditional music, gracing the stages of numerous concerts and music festivals across Iran, Turkmenistan, and Turkey, as well as enchanting audiences in various European nations such as France, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
Tracks
- Babajyklar: Vocal, dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
Accompanied by Abdolghaffar Geldinejad on gyjak
A traditional song based on a love poem by Mämmetweli Kemine (1770-1840). - Ýagma bulut: Vocal, dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
Accompanied by Arslan Baýlyýew on gyjak
Based on a love poem by Saýly Şahyr. - Şalyk bilen: Vocal, dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
Accompanied by Arslan Baýlyýew on gyjak
A traditional song based on a mystical poem by Magtymguly Pyragy (1724-1807?). - Älemgoşar: Dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi, gyjak – Arslan Baýlyýew
Improvisation based on instrumental pieces and mukams. - Garrylar gerek: Vocal, dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
Accompanied by Saparmyrat Annamyradow on gyjak
Dutar – Altymyrat Pürmämmedow
Composed by Ata Ablyýew and based on a poem by Magtymguly Myşşyýew. - Boý bibi: Vocal, dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
Accompanied by Abdolghaffar Geldinejad on gyjak
The poet is unknown. - Zyba gözel: Vocal, dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
Accompanied by Abdolghaffar Geldinejad on gyjak
A traditional song based on a love poem by Durdymyrat Berdiýew, who is known by the name Umyt bakhshi. - Humarala: Solo dutar – Oghlan Bakhshi
One of the most complex instrumental pieces in the Turkmen dutar repertoire, requiring special virtuosity to perform.
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.