Kudsi Erguner spent his childhood in the Sufi gathering places of Istanbul, mastering the reed flute of the Turkish Mevlevi tradition; and his adulthood roaming the world, performing with the likes of Peter Brook, Jean-Michel Jarre and Peter Gabriel. The collision of the vanishing Sufi traditions and the burgeoning 'world music' scene is beautifully rendered in these recollections from Kudsi's childhood interwoven with his experiences in showbiz. This work is a remarkable memoir of a musician at the crossroads of East and West.

About the Author
Kudsi Erguner has performed throughout the world, and worked with such artists as Peter Gabriel, Maurice Bejart, Peter Brook and Didier Lockwood. He lives and works in Paris as a musician, composer, musicologist, teacher, author and translator.

Reviews
'A story of our time, of the search for eroding values, a living tradition.' -from foreword by Peter Brook 'Superb book ...' Outside Books Best Books of 2005 'Erguner is the real thing, and this is an invaluable production.' fRoots 'I much enjoyed Kudsi Erguner's autobiography ... which gives a wonderful picture of the trials of being a Sufi devotee in the early years of the Turkish republic after the banning of the Sufi orders.' William Dalrymple, Sunday Herald 'Whatever revival [of Sufi music] there is will be largely thanks to Erguner and his colleagues. He's excellent at bridging the gap between the East and West and the ironies it throws up.' Songlines 'Offers a surprisingly complex social and political history of Istanbul, a moving account of the relationship between father and son (Erguner's late father Ulvi was considered the last great ney master), [and] a nuanced essay on religion and modernity ...' Daily Star



Book Information
ISBN 9780863565472
Author Kudsi Erguner
Page Count 142
Imprint Saqi Books
Publisher Saqi Books