Ulas Hazar originally built his reputation one of most pre-eminent exponents of the saz, a three-stringed long-necked lute, and was even called one of the best saz players of all time. However, when speaking with the mighty John McLaughlin after a gig in Cologne, John suggested that really show his skills he needed to switch to guitar. Even though he was renowned with the instrument, Hazar felt that possibly he had actually achieved all that he could with the saz, so decided to move to acoustic guitar and this recording is the first since then, hence the title. Eight of the tracks were recoded in the same sessions at the beginning of 2020, with Piotr Torunski (bass clarinet), Mehmet Akatay (percussion) and Mike Roelofs (piano), although not all tracks feature everyone, while the other finds him working with Al Di Meola on the Chick Corea number “Spain”.

This whole album is based on the acoustic guitar, often accompanied by others but not always, and a sense of purpose and direction. This is all about the music and the feel of the music as opposed to driving through to show off virtuosity, where it is way more important to have the correct notes in place as opposed plenty. The percussion often takes the music in a more Latin flavour, and there are hints of flamenco at times, alongside classical and jazz, and while there are no words it never feels like an English-speaking release, but something with considerably more depth and romance. This is a double disc release in that there is a CD and audio blu-ray, so that one can get even more from the experience, and the production is certainly top notch with plenty of separation and it sounds as if you are actually in the room with Hazar while he is performing. One to be savoured on headphones when the listener has the time to do just that, and not be distracted.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://hazar.de/