Udi Hrant Kenkulian, who is also known as "Hrant Emre" in Turkey, is the blind master of the ud. Born in 1901 near Istanbul, he is regarded as one of the greatest innovators of modern ud playing, and one of the most unique singers of Middle-Eastern Blues genre. Just like the blues performers in US, Udi Hrant is one of the most successful artists in Turkey who has built his own style through the melodies and lyrics that come from the hardships of life.

Hrant's discography spans more than fifty years, beginning in the late 1920's. His first recordings were of taksims (improvisations) in the modes Hicaz and Hüzzam. His 78 recordings from Turkey were issued in the United States commercially by RCA Victor, Balkan, Perfectaphone, Yildiz and İstanbul recording companies, which would change ud playing forever, inspiring a whole new generation of ud players both in America and Turkey. While Hrant's songs have remained popular even in modern-day Turkey, it was his performances in the art of taksim, instrumental improvisation, for which he was most respected. In this collection, which is now on vinyl, you will find the earliest recordings of Hrant, his rare recordings that are compiled from phonograph records and besides his own compositions, violin recordings and solos, you will also hear the him playing together with Şükrü Tunar and Kanuni Ahmet Yatman. 

*Text partially taken from Harold G. Hagopian's sleeve notes on the CD version of the album. 

"...a man who, like Jascha Heifetz or Earl Scruggs, revolutionized the use of the instrument."
Victory Review