In the winter of 2013, we got together to perform a benefit concert for Turtle House Art/Play Centre in Toronto. Although the four of us had performed in various pairings and combinations over many years, it was an unexpected pleasure to bring our voices together as a quartet for the show. The audience enjoyed it too - in fact a couple of listeners were so enthusiastic, they hired us! In the end what would have been a one time performance became an ensemble ... Turkwaz This recording represents the adventure we've had sharing and exploring songs that we have learned over the years in our separate travels. We have great love and respect for the diverse traditions we draw from, but we are also a product of our time and place - something we think comes through in our arrangements. If we were playing for you live, we'd take a moment or two to introduce our songs. For this album, we've invited four talented guest musicians to provide the introductions. Their improvisational gems are the threads that help us weave these beautiful traditions - from Turkey to Macedonia, from Greece to Syria - into a harmonious whole. QUOTES: "Turkwaz are a revelation - whether they are making you dance or making you long for loves lost, the music is of the highest calibre, played deftly and with spirit and joy. Though the songs are in languages I don't speak, the artistry of the band members is such that the sense of the lyrics come through. What a performance!" Candace Shaw, Shelter Valley Festival “Turkwaz impressed a sold-out crowd at the Small World Centre. Rousing voices and rhythms from Toronto's finest world music artists.” Alan Davis, Small World Music “If you know Maza Meze or Karsilama, you will love Turkwaz. Four exquisite voices drawing upon a world of talent.” Derek Andrews, Luminato Festival/Mundial Montreal “In their concert at the lovely Aga Khan hall, the four women of Turkwaz brought their distinctive, strong voices and harmonies right out to the front of the stage. Yes, they play exotic instruments beautifully, but their primary focus is singing, full-on, and beautiful presentation of the cultural material they sing. The instruments they play were used for lively and clear accompaniment, but it was their voices that filled the hall with gorgeous, meaningful sound.” Alan Gasser, Artistic Co-Director, Echo Women’s Choir “The naturalness of the vocal work made one feel as if you were sisters – the blending felt familial in a way that seamlessly knit together the diverse traditions that were brought together in the material that was performed. I was very moved.” Amirali Alibhai, Aga Khan Museum “Turkwaz was a fantastic addition to our line up at Shleter Valley Folk Festival 2015. Their harmonies were spellbinding and their stories resonated with many. In fact, they were one of the groups most often listed as a ‘best surprise discovery at SVFF’ when reading through our post-festival surveys.” Lesley Marie Boileau, Artistic Director, Shelter Valley Folk Festival