Search - Ashkhabad :: City of Love

Turkmenestan Boogie

Pat MacSwyney | Valencia, CA United States | 01/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Phenomenal! Central Asian Boogie. All acoustic indigenous percussion and string instruments along with massive clarinet, accordian and fiddle. Turkmenistan is not Turkey, however. Perhaps we could get together and buy a map for the folks. Pat MacSwyney"

These are incredible musicians

shahramkng | USA | 01/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"They mix turkmen/persian music and create sounds that are incredible... I wish these guys were a little more prolific because they are incredible artists."

Passionate Dance Party from the Heart of Turkmenistan

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 05/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan remains little known on the "world music" scene, and for that matter to the west at large following the fall of the Soviet Union. Which is unfortunate, considering the lively, passionate, soulful music that comes from the region. This CD, featuring a collection of Turkmen folk artists, showcases some of the true genius of Central Asian music.



With violin, accordian, clarinet, tar and deep, meaningful vocals, Ashkhabad covers a variety of traditional and folksongs of the Turkmen people. Firey dance numbers like "Arylsa" and the instrumental "Shalakho" sit wonderfully beside touching songs of love and loss like "Ketshpelek", "Yaman Ykbal" and "Bayat". There are noticable Middle Eastern influences on the music, but as others have pointed out this is Turkmenistan NOT the Republic of Turkey. Still, lovers of Middle Eastern music will find much to appreciate here.



With Yo-yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble and Smithsonian's recent "Music of Central Asia" series, it seems that Americans are finally waking up to the treasure trove of music from the region. This CD still remains a classic, and is well worth having in your collection if you are a fan of Central Asian or Middle Eastern music. You can't go wrong with this purchase. The music is deep, haunting and wonderful... it touches your very soul itself."