Salud!

Hello Alan,

Excuse me for causing you a little trouble by writing in English but I think that’s the only way I can communicate with you (until I improve my French). English is not my native language either. My name is Özgün; I’m a university student from Istanbul, Turkey. I must say that, actually, I haven’t seen much people who know who you are -though some people know your song « Brian Boru »
I discovered your music while I was doing some research about Celtic culture and history; and the first song I listened was also « Brian Boru » Now, it’s been almost a year I’m listening to your beautiful albums and I couldn’t find the time even to listen it all apart from digesting.

I like the way your music evolved as the years pass. This shows that you’re a person who’s open to new things and ways of thinking. Although I can caunt a few albums of yours which I like most, your each album is different from what you did previously and they are both original and up to date. In my opinion that’s very important for artists. Please keep doing what you did for the last 40 years, I and many people like me are following your work. (Especially « celtic rock » was a great idea!)
I must admit that, there aren’t many poems like « Delivrance » which can touch a person even if that person don’t understand most of it. But, also, your French songs helped me to understand French better too..

I’ve always admired the way Celts saved their languages and cultures. Starting from the day I began to listen to your music, I became more aware of how important my own culture is too. This is something beyond states and countries (which I’m against politically); this is about knowing and appreciating where one came from and knowing everyone of us is human after all. This isn’t only about respecting other cultures but more importantly loving them. I think I understand what you meant with all those songs you wrote about your ancestors and your motherland; these are all about you loving mother earth and embracing differences.

About the traditional instruments you use, some of them are used here, in Turkey as traditional instruments too. For example, the bagpipe is called « tulum » in Turkish and it’s known as an instrument mostly related to the Black Sea coasts. Other from that, the instrument like bombarde is called « zurna » here. These are almost identical with the sound they make in both Brittany and Turkey. I’m very pleased to learn that our cultures have so much in common

In this one year time, I almost memorized many songs of yours in Breton language; but I nearly understand a word or two by comparing to English and French I aim to improve my Brezhoneg and come to a concert of yours if I can make it to come to France next summer..

About your blog, you asked which subjects do we prefer to read first as your readers. Well, I’m very curious about your thoughts on social and political issues as well as philosophy and humans. I would be very happy if you can write English this time (but I don’t want to cause any difficulties if it won’t be easy).

Hope to write again soon;
Kenavo.

Özgün