For those of you unfamiliar with Ajda the Turkish Queen, she’s one of Boston’s musical treasures, best known as the compelling frontwoman of the dark and mysteriously stunning Black Fortress of Opium. After many requests through the years for a solo album, this extremely talented multi-instrumentalist has finally dipped her toe into the waters with a 15-track live album titled Beautiful Boot Leg — Live at Rick Walker’s. It was recorded July 13, 2014 by her friend Rick Walker at Rick Walker’s, a Boston institution and supplier of “rock ‘n’ roll cowboy clothes” since 1932.
It’s an eclectic musical selection that features some of her solo work, first ever debuts, some new and unreleased Black Fortress of Opium songs and a Johnny Thunders cover. She accompanies her gorgeous voice on guitar and mandolin. Though I’ve seen her perform with ‘BFOO,’ this is my first time hearing her solo, and she’s just stunning. Her sound is beautifully influenced by her Turkish heritage, though she surprisingly gets a little country in the aptly titled “Mighty Fine Day.” This heaping helping of Ajda and the promise of more to come makes it a mighty fine day indeed.
Have a listen, buy a copy and keep an eye out for a studio solo album at some point in the future, when she’s able to “rustle up the funds.” Hm, do I sense a crowdfunding campaign coming up?
Originally from Houston, Texas and now based in Boston, Ajda has been performing since 1997. Between her solo and band projects, she has appeared alongside such artists and groups as Andrew Bird, Franz Ferdinand, Bill Laswell, The Dresden Dolls, John Zorn and His Name is Alive. Her styles have included psychedelic pop, goth rock and cabaret, and has recorded everything from pop and electronic music to modern classical music. She also contributes to film soundtracks.
Ajda the Turkish Queen will be celebrating the release of Beautiful Boot Leg – Live at Rick Walker’s with a show at the legendary Plough & Stars in Cambridge. Details follow.
Saturday January 31st, 2015
Plough & Stars
912 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
10PM, 21+ | ::: Facebook Event :::
10:15PM Ajda’s New record!
11PM Anubis Pop melodic psyche-pop
11:45PM The Freeways ~ sun-gaze, psych-haze
Ajda the Turkish Queen: web | facebook | twitter | bandcamp
Black Fortress of Opium: facebook | twitter | bandcamp
