The title of the Tom Waits of Dersim would not at all be an exaggeration for Ahmet Aslan. Even if he has listened neither to Tom Waits nor to Neil Young in his life.

Contrary to the impressions created in the albums in which he sings songs and plays the guitar and bağlama, Aslan has had no connection to the rock culture. Şeyh Bedrettin has been his model. Rather than that of the fathers of rock, he has been nurtured with the culture of the wandering poets and folk heroes who have rebelled against oppression. Tradition has made him into a modern day Nesimi who says “I will not grovel to the path that the devil instructs” (song title)

The guttural vocal techniques of the Zaza language make the songs in the album gripping. The songs which are sung in various tones and the inhalations and lamentations of a tortured free spirit gain emphasis with its short and effective exclamations. The songs are awash with a spirit of Rock derived naturally. Not intended as Rock, just derived from the genuineness and persuasiveness of the spirit of rock and its singing without suffixes of uncertainty.

Every song that starts as common takes wings with the artist going into a trance. There is a mountain of difference between the timid behavior of Aslan in his daily life and the ecstasy in his songs. All the wings of a spirit chained by social restraints take wings from the notes.

The Nesimi song “I will not grovel” which is conveyed with the strolling of classical guitar techniques on the saz as well anonymous songs “Ali Haydar” and “Plains of Harput” lead the charge. The others are not far from these. No makeup or polish. Hakay Akay, the uncompromising and passionate sound engineer living in Germany has a lot to do with this. Of course the accompaniment of Kemal Dinç on Bağlama and baroque guitar, Fethi Ok on pulsatile instruments, and Klaus Bittner on the guitar are consummate.

While “Love is a mountain tribe” is inspired by Fadıl Öztürk’s book “Speak to the fire, cry to the ash” a local dance air is dominant in the song that gives the album its name. In Mehmet Çapan’s song “The Sublime council” the hearts that rise from a feeling for the local, call Hizir, Munzur and Düzgün from the depths of history to aid against the destruction of nature.

When he speaks, he stares with eyes that shine, but he does not turn and look at the album he has just published. “That is over now, the rest is people’s trial. What is important is to pass that” Murat Beşer -Milliyet

$70 for the first 5 rows (A-E), $60 for middle section (F-N) and $55 for the rear section (O-S).

For tickets call 416.939.6233 or e-mail ersin_20@hotmail.com.