Mehmet Polat Quartet
Roots in Motion
1- The pistachio tree
2- Saludos al mundo
3- Spacious out there
4- Roots in motion
5- My playground
6- Soul’s tide
7- Woodfire
8- Aspiration
9- Repose
10- Ode to Mahzuni
11- Urfa blues
12- Curious
All compositions by Mehmet Polat.
Band:
Mehmet Polat – ud
Franz von Chossy – piano
Daniel van Huffelen – double bass
Martin Hafizi – drums
Guest musicians:
Vera van der Bie – violin, track 7
Qusai Naim – cello, track 9
Aftab Records | MP25 www.mehmetpolat.net
Roots in Motion
For a musician who is also an immigrant, Roots in Motion represents a profound and evolving journey of identity, culture, and artistic expression. It embodies the delicate balance between staying deeply connected to one’s heritage (roots) while embracing change, growth, and adaptation in new environments (motion).
This album is a fusion of traditional sounds from my homeland with contemporary influences from my new surroundings. It reflects how music serves as both an anchor to the past and a gateway to exploration, transformation, and dialogue between cultures.
On a personal level, Roots in Motion captures the emotional experience of belonging to multiple places at once—never fully leaving where you came from, yet always moving forward, shaping something new from that foundation. It is a story of movement, resilience, and the ever-changing concept of home.
I’m thrilled to share Roots in Motion with you—an album that represents years of reflection, creativity, and transformation. These 12 new compositions are inspired by life’s unpredictable twists, leading me on an illuminating journey—one of fully embracing where I am, both as a composer and as a human being, while absorbing the experiences and emotions that shape us all.
This album is a collection of intertwined musical stories—expressions of resilience, adaptation, acceptance, love, joy, and compassion. My hope is that these pieces speak to you in a deeply personal way, evoking emotions and connections that resonate with your own journey.
This music would not have come to life without the extraordinary artistry and dedication of my bandmates. Franz von Chossy on piano, Daniel van Huffelen on double bass, and Martin Hafizi on drums are true masters, each bringing their own sensibility, creativity, and virtuosity to these compositions. Together, we have woven a sonic landscape that blends musical traditions and influences from around the world, shaped by the countless performances and experiences I have gathered while traveling with my ud.
One of the most liberating aspects of this music lies in its rhythmic complexity. Rather than relying only on conventional time signatures, many of these pieces unfold within the intricate odd meters of non-Western music, such as 9/8, 10/8, and 11/8. The interplay between the steady pulse of the drums and double bass and the soaring melodic voices of the ud, piano and violin, cello on selected tracks creates a rich and immersive listening experience. Each instrument contributes its own unique texture, bringing warmth, depth, and soul to the music.
Thank you for taking the time to listen. May this music move you, inspire you, and accompany you on your own journey.
About the pieces:
The Pistachio Tree – A tribute to resilience and deep cultural roots, this piece evokes the enduring strength of the pistachio tree, standing tall through seasons of change. Its melodies intertwine tradition with fresh energy, much like the tree’s branches reaching for new possibilities while staying firmly rooted in the earth.
Saludos al Mundo – Inspired by a traveler’s spirit, this composition is a warm greeting to the world. Infused with vibrant rhythms and open-hearted melodies, it celebrates human connection across borders, embracing the beauty of diversity in music and life. I composed this piece 14 years ago when I was studying Flamenco.
Spacious Out There – This piece captures the vastness of open landscapes—whether physical or emotional. Floating harmonies and expansive phrasing create a sense of freedom, inviting listeners to breathe deeply and lose themselves in the infinite space beyond the familiar.
Roots in Motion – A musical reflection of movement and belonging, this piece blends traditional influences with contemporary exploration. Like an immigrant’s journey, it carries the essence of home while constantly evolving, embracing new rhythms, harmonies, and directions.
My Playground – Playful, spontaneous, and full of life, this piece is a celebration of curiosity and joy in music. It reflects the improvisational spirit of a child at play—fearless, inventive, and always discovering something new.
Soul’s Tide – Just like the ebb and flow of the sea, this piece mirrors the rise and fall of emotions. Gentle yet powerful, its melodies carry a sense of longing, reflection, and the deep, rhythmic pull of the soul’s journey. It’s based on Turkish makam ‘Saba’. During my ud solo at certain moment I do an instant transition from makam scale to a jazz chord progression.
Woodfire – A warm and intimate composition, reminiscent of stories shared around a crackling fire on camping field. It burns with quiet intensity, growing from a slow ember into flickering bursts of passion and inspiration. Great violinist Vera van de Bie has joined as a guest artist.
Aspiration – A piece filled with upward motion, reaching for something beyond the horizon. It expresses the restless drive to grow, learn, and push boundaries, with melodies that rise and soar like an unstoppable dream. Next to myriad of influences of Eastern, Balkan and Jazz music, you might hear ‘Puriya’ raga from Indian Music.
Repose – A moment of stillness and peace, this composition offers a musical breath in the midst of life’s movement. With its soothing and meditative tones, it invites the listener to pause, reflect, and simply be. Great cellist Qusai Naim has joined as a guest artist.
Ode to Mahzuni – A heartfelt tribute to the legendary Turkish ‘ashik’ Mahzuni Şerif, this piece draws inspiration from his raw, poetic expression. It carries echoes of his spirit, blending traditional folk elements with a deeply personal touch.
Urfa Blues – A fusion of Anatolian soul and bluesy grit, this piece pays homage to the musical heritage of Urfa while embracing a new world of expression. It’s a crossroads of East and West, where old melodies meet a fresh, improvisational voice.
Curious – An exploration of the unknown, this piece embodies the thrill of discovery. Its shifting rhythms and unexpected turns reflect a restless musical mind, always searching, questioning, and diving into new sonic territories.
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Recorded at Wedge View Studios
Mixed by Frank Jonas
Mastered by Alex Geurink
Cover photo by Hans de Vries
Album artwork by Emre Can Arikan
Made possible by funding from Amarte Fondsen, Performing Arts Fund NL, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts and dozens of music loving crowdfunders.
Thanks to:
Bart Top
Diotima Polat
Hans de Vries
Heather Leslie
Joke Hermsen
Jorn Heijdenrijk
Philipp Rüttgers