Kairos Collective | Pîrî Reis

Introduction

Pîrî Reis, my debut album, is the result of a hugely enjoyable, six-day hit-and-run mission to Crete, where five musicians I admire greatly recorded six of the modal compositions I have been writing over the last couple of years. To me, composition is a journey of exploration into the world of modal music, in which I specifically take inspiration from the beautiful makam music of İstanbul. Makam music drew from, and could perhaps be considered the pinnacle of, the many modal traditions that existed in the vast Ottoman empire. The title of this album combines these elements: Pîrî Reis (‘Captain Piri’, 1465?–1553) was a legendary Ottoman admiral and cartographer. His extraordinary maps, one of which was used for the album artwork, happen to not only relate to the exploration aspect of how I see composition, but also to my profession as a survey geologist.

Michiel van der Meulen
Bunnik, November 2016

Straight to the liner notes >
(info, music and downloads below)

Album information

Tracks / total playing time 39:09

Şehnaz yürük semâî
Kürdî saz semâî / Zaman yolcusu
Anamnisi
Dügah saz semâî
Nev-Eser peşrev / Muhabbet
Nihâvend saz semâî / To Laiko

Genre

Contemporary modal music.

Liner notes

Read all about the album, tracks, sources of inspiration, and a bit about the music theoretical background.

Credits

Musicians
Harris Lambrakis – ney
Giorgos Papaioannou – violin

Manolis Kanakakis – kanun
Yorgos Mavromanolakis – oud
Marijia Katsouna – bendir [1, 3], tombak [2, 4-6]

Tracks
All tracks have been composed by Michiel van der Meulen. Pîrî Reis was recorded, mixed and mastered by Vangelis Apostolou at Studio Vasmaris (Heraklion, Crete, Greece) on November 13–16, 2016.

Album
Production, artwork and liner notes – Michiel van der Meulen

Acknowledgements
I thank the musicians for playing the pieces so beautifully: out of their hands, the music magically appeared as it sounds in my head. Thanks are also due to my teacher Ross Daly. His modal composition seminars are among my most intense learning experiences, while being mystifyingly relaxed at the same time. The suggestion to record the music in Crete, with Greek musicians, was made by Kelly Thoma, to whom I am very grateful too. This music, including the people associated with it, has enriched my life. I hope that you enjoy my interpretation and understanding of it.

TouMilou Records #1 / EAN 8714835119579
© 2016 M.J. van der Meulen/TouMilou

Reviews

Jo Delaheye, Folkmagazine (March 16, 2018; in Dutch): “Lovers of relaxed oriental music will certainly enjoy this.”
Crispijn Oomes, MixedWorldMusic.com (August 4, 2017): “Michiel van der Meulen delivered his examination workpiece, and far as I’m concerned he passed cum laude.”
Marius Roeting, New Folk Sounds (July 14, 2017; in Dutch): “…leaving room for interpretation and even variation, resulting in a journey with a—possibly—known destination, but with sufficient surprises, marvel and discoveries.”
Dani Heyvaert, Rootstime.be (May 1, 2017; in Dutch): “The message is simple: sit down, play the CD and experience the unbelievable power and beauty of its six long pieces.”
Holly Moors, Moors Magazine (March 8, 2017; in Dutch): “A special project that makes your jaw drop. Bravo!”
Jan Willem Broek, De Subjectivisten (February, 3 2017; in Dutch): “You’ll hear a cross-fertilisation of Turkish, Griek, Iraki and other oriental music, majestically and beautifully combined.”

Get the album

Pîrî Reis is streamed on all major platforms
The digital album is available at Bandcamp
A CD can be purchased online from the distributor Xango Music, resellers such as bol.com and amazon.com, and directly from TouMilou at Bandcamp

Bandcamp is an online platform that allows you to buy music directly from the people who make it. Unlike other channels, most revenue goes to the makers. Streaming platforms are a great gateway to music, but you must bear in mind that only massive numbers of plays will generate a significant income. Independent artists need independent listeners!