Kelly Thoma's debut album.
The word Anamkhara derives from the Irish Gaelic language and means "friend of the soul".
All of the tracks on the CD are composed and arranged by Kelly Thoma, who is one of the core members of Ross Daly's "Labyrinth" ensemble for the past ten years. Her chosen instrument is the Cretan lyra which she plays in her own unique way, reflecting the rich experience which she has gained in Labyrinth through her collaborations with master musicians from various countries. Her compositions reveal a rich imagination and a wise and mature balance between the indispensable discipline and austerity which characterize the traditions she has studied, and the creative expression, free of dogmatic attitudes, which is the fundamental need of any young artist. The sound of many bowed instruments in combination with the exceptional percussion work of Zohar Fresco is the hallmark of the album.
Four other significant musicians of international stature participate on the album, Efrén López on the vielle a roué, Pedram Khavar Zamini on the Iranian tombak, Ahmet Erdoğdular with a vocal improvisation in the Turkish gazel style, and Ross Daly on the tarhu and Cretan lyra.
Tracks:
1. Star anise
Kelly Thoma: lyra,soprano lyra
Efren Lopez: hurdy-gurdy
Zohar Fresco: bendir, tamburello
2. Ice Tree
Kelly Thoma: lyra,soprano lyra
Ross Daly: tarhu, lyra
Zohar Fresco: bendir
3. Giouhtas
Kelly Thoma: lyra,soprano lyra
Zohar Fresco: tamburello, davul
Ross Daly: bendir
4. Bir Tel
Kelly Thoma: lyra,soprano lyra
Pedram Khavar Zamini: tombak
Ross Daly: plucked tarhu
5. Flutter
Kelly Thoma: lyra,soprano lyra
Zohar Fresco: bendir, req
6. Anamkhara
Kelly Thoma: lyra,soprano lyra
Zohar Fresco: bendir
Ross Daly: lyra, tarhu, nak tarhu
7. The dancing owl
Ahmet Erdogdular: Gazel (vocal improvisation)
Kelly Thoma: lyra, soprano lyra
Ross Daly: lyra, tarhu, bendir
Cover artwork: Kallia Platyrrachou
Cover photos: Andrzej Lozko
