Asia Minor - Crossing The Line

Year of Release: 1993
Label: Musea Records
Catalog Number: FGBG 4082.AR
Format: CD
Total Time: 35:19:00

While the prominence of the flute in the opening and last two tracks might make you think of Ian Anderson (as opposed to, say, James Galway), it is only the tone here that I find Tull like. The music here has a decidely Middle Eastern feel - not surprising given their Turkish roots and musical interests.

This really is a good album, very listenable with interesting and involving compostions, most sung in English, though a couple are in Turkish. "Visions (Of A Midnight Show)" seems Genesis influenced (that same influence that seems apparant in 80s Marillion; though this predates by a few years). "Without Stir" is possibly the most Tull sounding track, hitting the same groove without sounding imitative.

The vocals are accented, yes, of course, but mostly on key and listenable. If there are any drawbacks it is that the production seems a bit fuzzy around the edges, but even still, the musicianship of this trio (Bakirel and Eril Tekeli share bass and guitar duties, Tekeli also handling flute; Lionel Beltrami, drums and percussion) comes through. Recommended.

Tracklisting:
Preface (4:18) / Muhzun Gozler (8:13) / Mystic Dance (1:45) / Misfortune (4:30) / Landscape (3:50) / Vision (5:35) / Without Stir (1:50) / Hayal Dolu Gunler Icin (4:38) / Postface (2:00)

Musicians:
Eril Tekeli - flute, fuitars, and bass
Setrak Bakirel - lead vocals, guitars, and bass
Lionel Beltrami - drums and percussion
Nicolas Vicente - keyboards

Discography:
Crossing The Line (1979/1993)
Between Flesh And Divine (1980/1991)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin FR

Added: July 25th 1999
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website: www.myndefyre.com/asiaminor (unofficial)
Hits: 7829
Language: english