Dreimal of The Orient

After 1683, when Polish troops saved Vienna from a Turkish siege, Turkey was no longer a threat to Western Europe and became a symbol of the mysterious Orient. For European musicians, however, Turkey was less nebulous, as Turkish instruments (including drums, cymbals, and triangles) entered the European orchestra and composers emulated the sound of the Turkish military band. A charming introduction to eighteenth century musical Orientalism in Europe, this album features exquisite performances by Concerto Köln and Sarband, a traditional Turkish ensemble. The opening track, a scintillating rendition of the overture for Mozart's Oriental opera Die Entfuhrung as dem Serail, features traditional Turkish percussion that adds zest to the performance.

Single instrumental features have always been a prominent part of popular music from discreet embellishments behind a vocal presentation to a solo tour de force for a concert audience; the latter often resulting in a standing ovation acknowledging the musicians performance. A key interpreter of these musical experiences was the saxophonist Samuel L. Taylor, who’s playing embraced all kinds of popular music: jazz, swing, rhythm and blues - while making “breathy ballads” a speciality. With his seemingly endless enthusiasm and energy, he also became a leading exponent of the “honking” tenor sax sound heard on many nineteen fifties pop records. During this time he also led his own band recording for MGM and ten years later his ballad playing achieved international recognition particularly in Japan.