Traveling Mandolin
Before I went to Turkey I got Aleksandra and Allan Alexander's book of Balkan music. I learned a couple of songs thinking there might be a chance to play for someone. The opportunity came when a friend's mother wanted to hear me play something. I chose the song "Bitola" and after a couple of measures she started to sing. By the end she had tears in her eyes. She shared that she has known that song since she was a girl and it is a favorite. Needless to say that made my trip. I had the chance to record it overlooking the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. I added some footage I shot and sent the link to my friend's Mom.
I did have to overdub the song. The rooftop had a big AC unit for the hotel that I just couldn't clean up. I'm playing an Arches FT and the overdubbing was recorded with a Zoom H2N. I'm shooting with a Panasonic GH2 and edited it with FCPX.
Mark
Gibson A circa 1917
Collings Mf 5 "Blackface"
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