Turkish-born Ozan Aksoy plays saz, the Near Eastern lute, in moody contemporary settings enhanced by electric instruments. Now living in that global music mecca, New York City, Aksoy has recorded a sonic reflection on the minority cultures of his homeland, especially the musical contributions of Kurds and Armenians. Melancholy and meditative, the music on Ozan stands at the confluence of tradition and innovation. He performs that convergence with conviction. Unlike the sort of musical backpackers who peddle their wares under the world-music banner, he knows his territory. He’s lived it.
