Homage To Nazim Hikmet

Following the reissue of the self-titled debut by Tülay German & François Rabbath in
2021, we're presenting the 2nd and final part of our Tülay German reissues: "Homage
to Nazım Hikmet" (1982). Once again in a duo setting with François Rabbath, Tülay
German pays tribute to one of Turkey's greatest poets of the 20th century: Nazım
Hikmet (1902-1963).

Recorded in the early 80s this two-album workcycle refers heavily on turkish poets and the
tradition of aşıks (singer-poets and wandering bards) and consists of unique and modern
interpretations of turkish folk songs unmatched to this day.
Back in the 60s Tülay German (*1935 in Istanbul, Turkey) shook the turkish music landscape
with several 7" records. Most notably her first 7" record Burçak Tarlası (1964) is now considered
the cornerstone of what was to become the Anadolu Rock/ Pop movement and underlines her
rebellious nature and sense of justice. But due to increasing repression Tülay German and her
lifelong partner and intellectual impetus Erdem Buri decided to leave Turkey a few years later.
In France Tülay German signs a major contract with Philips resulting in many 7" releases sung
in french under her french moniker Toulaϊ. In the long run Tülay German doesn't feel quite
comfortable with this major deal. And thus, despite the success and recognition she had gained,
she decides to quit the contract with Philips!
Later on she signs to independent world-music label Arion to pursue her actual artistic goals
more in line with her origin and temperament. Back to her mother tongue, Tülay German
records above mentioned albums for Arion under full artistic freedom, the only full-lenghths in
her 20+ years career. Alongside with double-bass virtuoso and turkophil François Rabbath
(*1931 in Aleppo, Syria) the albums consist of aşık traditionals and intonated poems mainly by
Nazım Hikmet. Her passionate voice and the restrained arrangements of François Rabbath
turn these centuries old melodies and poems into glowing manifestos for love and justice. The
fruitful collaboration of these artists-in-exile adds significantly to the rich heritage of turkish folk
music.
Nazım Hikmet (1902-1963) is considered as one of Turkey's greatest poets of the 20th
century, though during his lifetime his works were banned in Turkey for decades and he spent
most of his life in prison or in exile. He is up to this day a huge reference for turkish writers,
musicians and intellectuals.
Tülay German ended her musical career in 1987. In 2021 Tülay German was awarded with
the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, Turkey.

Tülay German voice
François Rabbath saz & double bass

Recorded in Paris, 1981 by Gilles Roussel
Arrangements by François Rabbath
Remastered for vinyl by Helmut Erler at D&M
Lacquer cut by Ruy Mariné at D&M, Berlin