The Other Side

Ilhan Ersahin sees music as borderless. As with his Nublu club and label, his music mixes classic sounds like jazz with hyper-modern beats and textures perfect for after-dark partying. This time, the half-Turkish/half-Swedish musician returns to Istanbul to play Turkish Gypsy–inspired music that recalls memories of childhood summers spent vacationing in Turkey. He’s joined on this voyage by Gypsy/Balkan clarinetist Hüsnü Şenlendirici and a host of local Gypsy and Kurdish players, as well as high-powered celebrity singers. Instrumental highlights include the dreamy “Misirli Duke,” the surging “Egeli,” the panoramic “Gocmenler," and the clarinet-driven “Karsi Yaka.” While the great Gilberto Gil turns in a fine vocal performance on “Estreito Largo,” the thrilling fusion of Middle Eastern strings and churning rock grooves stands out as well. Equally inspired by her track, Jane Birkin talk-sings her way through “Fathers and Daughters.” Not to be outshone, Turkish star Seyyal Taner leads the way on the uptempo “Canimsin Deme Bana.” All in all, this is a wonderful effort that has something for everyone.