VARIOUS ARTISTS
Hava Narghile VOL.1 (Dionysus)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Turkish rock music from 1966 to 1975? Now here's a record I've been waiting for! Who knew that the Turks rocked? Jay Dobis and Gökhan Aya that's who. They're writing a book on the subject, and compiling the music to prove it. Hava Narghile is not just a hubble-bubble pipe but also a cornerstone in American rock and roll. Just ask Dick Dale; but I digress. What we have here is twenty- two solid tracks of fuzzy rock played by standard guitar, bass and drums outfits, often augmented by exotic instruments like the saz (something like a sitar). Mixing traditional melodies with contemporary woolly psychedelic sounds resulted in some serious chart action for bands like Siluetler and Kaygisizlar. Apparently big hair, moustaches and day-glo outfits were a world-wide phenomena, and judging by the copious pics included, the Turks had no problems establishing eye-popping images. Still, it is the music behind the clothes that makes this a cherishable time and place capsule. Can't wait for Volume 2.

© 2002 - John Sekerka