My friend Ertuğrul was very kind to me the other evening. He gets together with many of his musician friends and plays Turkish Sanat Music and Halk Musik. His teacher, Mithat Bey, was excellent in his display of skill and passion about the oud. Also, I met Ömer Bey, Servet Ağabey, and Hasan Genç. They played some wonderful songs--many of which I am learning now. Servet Agabey was even kind enough to give me a book of halkmusik lyrics. Not only with speed and accuracy, and love for the music, but a great joy in creating an atmosphere like this for each other.
Many thanks to all the great men who assembled for this uplifting time. I needed it. NOW, I know I have to practice, because they asked me to come back! Maybe I can try out that bass bağlama I am holding in the photo.
