Personnel: Omar Faruk Tekbilek (vocals, baglama, accordion, ney, zurna, tambourine); Arto Tuncboyaciyan (vocals, cymbals, percussion); Brian Keane (guitar, synthesizer, wind chime); Hassan Isikkut (kanun); Ara Dinkjian (oud).
Audio Mixers: Ron Bach; Brian Keane .
Recording information: Little Feet Studio, Monroe, CT (11/1993-05/1994).
Photographer: Kvon.
Unknown Contributor Role: Hassan Isikkut.
Arrangers: Omar Faruk Tekbilek; Brian Keane .
Whirling celebrates the melodies and rhythms of the Middle East. Famed instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek plays an impressive array of instruments, including the two he is most famous for: the ney flute and the lute-like baglama. He is joined by Brian Keane, who contributes splendid background on guitar and synthesizer, and Ara Dinkjian and Arto Tuncboyaciyan on a variety of Middle Eastern instruments. Hassan Isikkut provides vocals. Faruk, a well-known musician and composer in Turkey, is also an accomplished jazz musician, and this aspect of his musical abilities adds a subtle flavor to the pieces. ~ MusD
