The Rise Up
Mehmet Ali Sanlikol
Liner Notes
By Kabir Sehgal
In a word, this album is remarkable. Here you have maestro Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol drawing upon historical sources and various musical genres to create an artistic masterpiece that is both personal and profound. As we’ve come to expect, Sanlıkol is the ultimate triple threat: composer, arranger, performer – and he renders each work in a beautiful and exquisite manner. The Rise Up does just that. It’s a clarion call in these tumultous times of international pandemic (mixed with xenophobic populism). Through Sanlıkol’s music, we hear music that speaks to our “better angels” as humans. Sanlıkol’s work is inspirational, as we witness a genius alcehmizing disparate musical material into pure sonic gold. And isn’t that the message we need to heed these days? Even though we are mandated to “phyically distance,” we must remember that we’re better together. Sanlikol’s music brings histories, words, and people together. The Rise Up puts us on a path towards a more inviting and humane future.
–Kabir Sehgal
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