Canberk Ulaş - Echoes of Becoming (2024)

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Canberk Ulaş - Echoes of Becoming (2024)

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Jazzland Recordings presents Canberk Ulaş's solo duduk album “Echoes of Becoming”, a captivating fusion of heritage and innovation. Prepare to be transported to a realm where ancient echoes meet contemporary expressions, and the boundaries of musical exploration are redefined.

Embark on an extraordinary musical odyssey with Sweden-based Turkish - Duduk player Canberk Ulaş as he unveils his highly anticipated solo album, a transcendent blend of ancient traditions, experimental nuances, and electronic enchantments. Released in February under the esteemed Jazzland Recordings label, this work is not merely an album; it is a narrative of Canberk's personal quest for authenticity, echoing through the haunting melodies of his duduk.

Traditional Echoes and Experimental Whispers: Canberk Ulaş weaves a tapestry of sound that seamlessly blends ancient Turkish, Anatolian, Armenian, and Ottoman musical heritages with a contemporary perspective. His unique style breathes life into the timeless melodies of the duduk, giving new roles to it, while embracing experimental, extended techniques, and tasteful electronic processing.

This captivating album features the remarkable contributions of five musicians from Norway, seamlessly blending the expertise of legends and prominent artists such as Eivind Aarset, Jan Bang, Bugge Wesseltoft, and Arve Henriksen. Additionally, the album welcomes the enchanting vocals of Benedikte Kløw Askedalen, a new-generation vocalist whose unique voice adds a fresh and vibrant dimension to this masterpiece.

Bilingual Elegance: Notably, Benedikte Kløw Askedalen graces the album with her captivating vocals, singing half in Turkish and half in English. The lyrics, penned by Canberk Ulaş, tell a tale of resilience, a journey from darkness to the promise of a new life.

Diverse Worlds and Times: In the mesmerizing odyssey of "Echoes of Becoming," Canberk transcends his role as a duduk player, evolving into a storyteller who seamlessly connects diverse worlds through the universal language of music. With a nod to the wisdom of the past, Canberk brings a poignant message from Rilke, voiced in English by the soulful Irish musician Kieron Concannon. Additionally, the warm greetings of Clarissa P. Estés find expression in Turkish through Deniz Ulkat. This collaborative fusion unfolds as a captivating narrative, where the haunting echoes of Rilke's wisdom and the heartfelt messages of Estés resonate in harmony, transcending temporal and cultural boundaries.

Ulaş Explores the Duduk's Sonic Realm": Canberk sensitively pushes the boundaries of the duduk, exploring its melodic voice, and delving into its harmonic and rhythmic possibilities. In a unique approach, Canberk gives new roles to the duduk, treating it not only as a traditional melody instrument but also incorporating innovative techniques that transform it into a versatile instrument. His skillful use of loops, extended techniques, and digital effects elevate the instrument to new heights, creating a soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded in tradition.

The Artist's Journey: Canberk Ulaş's “Echoes of Becoming” is more than a musical endeavor; it is a personal odyssey towards authenticity. Each note serves as a chapter in his story, a testament to the transformative power of music and the pursuit of self-discovery. As he navigates the intricate balance between tradition and experimentation, Canberk invites listeners to join him on a contemplative journey of introspection and connection.

In the realm of Canberk Ulaş's music, authenticity is not just a destination; it's a journey, and the path is paved with the soul-stirring sounds of the duduk.

All the compositions by Canberk Ulaş except Track 6 is by Ulaş, Eivind Aarset and Jan Bang
Lyrics in Track 5 by Canberk Ulaş
Spoken words in Track 4 are from the book “The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge” of Rainer Maria Rilke;
translated from Turkish to English by Canberk Ulaş
Spoken words in Track 7 are from the Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Kurtlarla Koşan Kadınlar, translated by Hakan Atalay, Ayrıntı Yayınları
Duduk, electronics, sansula, sampling, upright piano, keyboard: Canberk Ulaş
Trumpet: Arve Henriksen (Track 4)
Electric guitar: Eivind Aarset (Track 6)
Live sampling: Jan Bang (Track 6)
Vocals: Benedikte Kløw Askedalen (Track 5)
Grand piano: Bugge Wesseltoft (Track 8)
Spoken words: Kieron Concannon (Track 4)
Sampled spoken words: Deniz Ulkat (Track 7)