A Blind Anatolian Bard

Aşık Veysel (d. 1973) was a blind Turkish poet and minstrel, who accompanied himself on the bağlama (a.k.a. saz, a lute common to many Muslim cultures). I picked up a CD of his music during a trip to Turkey a couple of years ago. I don't understand the poetic Turkish lyrics, but I do understand the beautiful sound of a man deeply absorbed in music-making. If you like melismatic Asian vocal music, or are an adventurous music-lover, you should check it out.

Here is an effectively translated sample of Veysel's poetry. Clearly I can't vouch for the accuracy of the translation.



Here is the CD for sale online, with sound samples. I can recommend the vendor.