Erdem Oral – İz (Ahenk Music, 2023)
Erdem Oral’s debut solo album is a musical journey spanning over two decades, featuring the melodies that have long danced in her dreams. In the creation of İz, Erdem Oral collaborated with producer and arranger Ozan Yontan. The album includes folk melodies and ethereal compositions, featuring 2 tracks in Kurmanji, 1 in Zazaki, 1 in Soranî dialect, and the rest in Turkish.
An emotive mix of lesser-known gems and timeless classics characterizes the album. Erdem Oral’s musical approach shines through, placing emphasis on unembellished, live performances that pay homage to the essence of each work. Simultaneously, the album embarks on modern and innovative experiments. The meticulous arrangements highlight a deliberate diversity, ensuring Erdem Oral’s sublime vocal talent takes center stage.
Erdem Oral’s artistic journey began in 1985, born in Varto. Armed with a degree in Sociology and a music education from Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music State Conservatory’s Department of Music Theory, she has developed her craft over the years. Starting her musical career at a young age, Erdem Oral garnered stage experience as a vocalist and soloist in diverse music groups. In parallel with her stage career, she contributed as a music teacher, both independently and within various institutions.
The unveiling of her first single, “Elâ Gözlerini Sevdiğim Dilber,” in 2018 marked a significant milestone. Subsequently, Erdem Oral lent her vocals to albums like Anadolu’da Bozlaklar ve Çeşitlemeler and Hayali Gönlümde Kalan in collaboration with Muhlis Berberoğlu and baglama. The EP titled Cevherler Ummana Düştü Olmaz, a collaborative effort with Muhlis Berberoğlu and Sinan Cem Eroğlu, was released in 2023.
More than a year of meticulous preparation went into crafting this exquisite album, featuring a stellar ensemble.
Musicians: Ozan Yontan on piano, keyboard, and bass; Gamze Yılmazel on percussion and drums; Sezgin Yaman on baglama; Lütfücan Kapucu on fretless guitar and e-bow; İbrahim Taşkıran on erbane; Gizem Çevik on flute; and Volkan Işılay on oboe.
Buy İz.
Author: Lisa Miller
