From the moment Aslan’s band walked onto the stage, I could tell we were in safe hands and from the first chord that strange shiver that wonderful music can produce had fully taken over.
Violinist Michalis Kouloumis drew tones and colours from his instrument I’ve rarely experienced. Through the use of stylistic ornamentation, new levels of the violin’s potential were on virtuosic display. The double bass and percussion players, who accompanied with the highest level of subtle invention, together created a rich carpet for the violin and kanun to rise from. Such clear mastery of instrumental technique was coupled with perfect musicianship, as each member of the band remained locked in eye contact throughout, smiling and laughing to each other as the music poured effortlessly out of their instruments.
And then Aslan emerged on stage, commanding attention even before she began to sing. And what a voice emerged! Sultry and passionate, the Turkish, Kurdish and Greek language barrier didn’t really matter as the meaning and intention of each song was conveyed perfectly clearly. Her words and melodies bounced off the sensitive accompaniment, sometimes leading, sometimes imitating what the instrumentalists were up to in another display of great musical communication.
It was so refreshing to see a group of musicians so clearly enjoying what they were doing. All too often, one sees jaded orchestral musicians on stage, slogging through yet another rendition of repertoire they have been playing for years. It seemed as though these musicians could play their set a thousand and one times and still play it differently and with fresh enthusiasm, never tiring of making music together and individually. And I think I would be happy to hear it over and over too!
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| photo: Katerina Pavlakis |
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