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"Born in 1901 near Istanbul, Hrant was declared blind four days after birth. Despite frequent treatments, his condition did not improve ... In 1918, the family settled in Istanbul. There he studied with famous teachers including Kemani Agopos Ayvazyan, Dikran Katsakhian and Udi Krikor Berberian ... Finally, while playing at Yenikapi Cafe, he was noticed by the famous musician and composer, Serif Icli. He was introduced by a mutual friend, Kanuni Ismail Sencalar, and soon after, Hrant was invited to play with their group. The exposure led to concerts on Ankara Public Radio. 1950 marked a turning point in Hrant's life. A wealthy Greek-American, moved by Hrant's talent, invited him to the U.S. to see eye specialists. Unfortunately, doctors in New York were not able to correct Hrant's condition and, ultimately, Hrant would stay blind for life. Meanwhile, friends approached Hrant about playing in the U.S. At first he was reluctant. His main concern was that middle-eastern music be presented to American audiences in the same concert as European western music. He felt that Americans regarded middle-eastern music as inferior to western music, attributing this to the fact that so far, their exposure to it had been in seedy night clubs where second-rate musicians cranked out tunes to crowds of people eating and drinking ... With the understanding that concerts would be presented according to his ideals, Hrant agreed to perform ... Upon his return to Turkey, Hrant became known as a soloist frequently for Istanbul Public Radio ... His last concert in 1978 took place at Istanbul's Sevian Hall, a benefit for St. Purgich Hospital. After a long battle with cancer, Hrant died on August 29, 1978 ..." (written by Harold G. Hagopian, from CD's program notes)

"The Early Recodings vol. 2" was released in 1995 by Traditional Crossroads. They have a web-site where you can purchase this CD and see their catalog. Traditional Crossroads archival series of world music recordings from 1920 to 1950 "is the only series to be remastered from the original metal parts" in the U.S. (from Traditional Crossroads catalog).

Udi Yorgo Bacanos:
1900-1977

Munir Nurettin Beken:
The Art of the Turkish Ud

Cinucen Tanrikorur:
Fasil

Udi Hrant:
Udi Hrant Kenkulian

Cinucen Tanrikorur:
Turquie

Udi Hrant:
The Early Recordings vol. 1

Necdet Yasar Ensemble:
Music of Turkey

Udi Hrant:
The Early Recordings vol. 2

Vedad Gencturk:
L'art du ud Turc

Bezmara:
The Splendours of Topkapi

Necati Celik:
Yasemin

Fasl:
Musique de l'Empire Ottoman

Kudsi Erguner Ensemble:
Tatyos Efendi