Kashgul: kash‧gul (adjective). Carpet made by the nomadic tribe of Kash Guli, whereby they are considered nomadic carpets. The Kash Gulis are a neighboring tribe of the Ghashgais, who have settled in the Zagros Mountains in the Persian province of Fars. These carpets have special characteristics, such as a relatively thick knot and often shiny gold-red compositions made from resilient wool. All in all, it is a fairly rare nomadic carpet from South Persia, with high durability and a unique character.
Recently, Concertgebouw Brugge introduced their new concept The Makers. Several artists from different disciplines are connected to this cultural institution through it. One of their first Makers cohort is Tristan Driessens. This lutenist and composer stands for the fusion of contemporary jazz, classical music and folk with modal, Eastern influences. This is also proven by the three albums he released this year: Music for Shepherds and Sultans (Homerecords), Lahza (The Glimpse) – Oud Improvisations (Mahoor Institute of Culture and Arts) and Kashgul (Seyir Muzik). In particular, this latest release caught my attention.
Triestan Driessens focused initially in his career on classical music of the Ottoman court. Released together with Ensemble Bîrûn and the acclaimed Lâmekân Ensemble. After four albums with the latter and studies in Ístanbul, he founded the Soolman ensemble in Belgium in 2016. With musicians from various countries, including Greece, Turkey, Luxembourg, Italy and Belgium, he releases the album Kashgul.
The compositions, a mix of music from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire and jazz, form a harmonious unity. The album offers a beautiful blend of traditions across the centuries, evoking universally relatable emotions. Nothing super original but certainly pleasing to the ear. But it is the subtle interaction between the six members and the mix of timbres that elevates this album to a musical adventure.
WHO: Soolmaan Sextet, Tristan Driessens
WHAT: Kashgul
LABEL: Seyir Muzik