ALFA MIST
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 21:30
BABYLON
Blending melancholy jazz harmony with alternative hip-hop and soul, London based self-taught pianist, composer, multi- instrumentalist, rapper, and producer Alfa Mist released this year his latest studio album "Structuralism", as a follow up to the critically acclaimed debut, “Antiphon”. Now a prominent figure in London’s burgeoning jazz scene, Alfa Mist is also well known for the powerful collaborations he has done with inspiring artists such as Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Barney Artist, Mansur Brown and more recently Yussef Dayes. In his both vivid and meditative, genre-bending compositions, Alfa Mist perfectly brings together melancholic saxophone tunes with vibrant hip-hop elements. You are invited to meet this exceptional talent of new generation jazz in the Akbank Jazz Festival!
ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 20:30
CEMAL REŞIT REY KONSER SALONU
Avant-garde jazz band Art Ensemble of Chicago builds a unique musical universe by integrating different styles that span the history of jazz with the use of unique sounds and little instruments, traditional hand and stick drums, horns, bells, chimes, vibes, marimba, gongs of all sizes and an array of homemade and found sound objects. These objects serve each individual musician as an extension of their personality on their principal instruments of saxophones, flutes, trumpet and flugelhorn, double bass and drum set. Evolving from founder Roscoe Mitchell's musical vision, explorations and adventurous collaborations in Chicago of the early and mid-sixties, the amazing longevity of this musical entity owes to the shared willingness to support each member's individual musical interests and personal goals. Having released more than 70 live performances, studio recordings, videos and DVDs on a variety of labels including legendary ECM Records, Art Ensemble of Chicago will take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Both founded in 1969, ECM and Art Ensemble of Chicago are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Join us for this double celebration of two musical life- spans full of inspiring stories!
Roscoe Mitchell: Saxophone, Flute
Don Moye: Drums, Congas, Bongos
With guests:
Hugh Ragin: Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet, Flugelhorn Tomeka Reid: Cello
Brett Carson: Piano
Silvia Bolognesi: Double Bass Junius Paul: Double Bass, Objects Dudu Kouaté: African Percussion
BEBOP PROJECT
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 22:30
NARDIS JAZZ CLUB
The Bebop genre, which emerged in the late 1940s during the golden age of Swing, broke new ground in contrast to dance-oriented jazz melodies that were popular at the time. The high-paced bebop rhythms created performances during which the audience focused only on the stage, being admired by improvisations and solos. The best examples of this genre, which is still an important part of the jazz language today, takes place in Akbank Jazz Festival with Bebop Project. Şenova Ülker on trumpet, Engin Recepoğulları on tenor saxophone, Önder Focan on guitar, Ozan Musluoğlu on bass and Ayhan Öztoplu on drums, the quartet will take the stage, performing tunes of Bebop giants Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and also their originals.
Şenova Ülker: Trumpet
Engin Recepoğulları: Tenor Saxophone Önder Focan: Guitar
Ozan Musluoğlu: Bass
Ayhan Öztoplu: Drums
B’R ŞEYLER EKS’K
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 23:00
BOVA
Çağıl Kaya on vocals, Tamer Temel and Serhan Erkol on saxophones, Alper Yılmaz on bass and Volkan Öktem on drums give life to the music of B'r Şeyler Eks'k, who released their debut album last April. Inspired by the musical approaches of Steve Lehman, Selebeyone, Kendrick Lamar and masterfully blending rap and jazz elements, the album has so far gained remarkable attraction. During their busy schedule, having fun while working in the studio or at stage performances are essential to B'r Şeyler Eks'k. So in addition to their own compositions, they also focus on new arrangements of the songs from musicians such as Wayne Shorter, David Binney, Steve Coleman, Mark Zubek, and bands such as Rage Against The Machine and Queens of The Stone Age. You are invited to witness the band's vibrant energy on a lively festival evening!
Çağıl Kaya: Vocal
Tamer Temel: Saxophone Serhan Erkol: Saxophone Alper Yılmaz: Bass Volkan Öktem: Drums
BUGGE WESSELTOFT & ERKAN OĞUR & FRIENDS
OCTOBER 24th THURSDAY 21:00
MODA SAHNESI
Norwegian jazz virtuoso Bugge Wesseltoft believes artists should always pursue their own unique way of personal expression. Always a true explorer of music, he made significant contributions to the emergence and shaping of the Northern Jazz genre, which is considered as a distinctive style in modern jazz today. Since the early 1990s, he has always been able to create a unique sound during his career, which in the meantime has gone through a post- modern transition. With his iconic project New Conception of Jazz, which he devoted to new discoveries, and his record label Jazzland Recordings, he is one of the musicians who keep the pulse of jazz today. At the same time, Wesseltoft is one of the names that gave life to Rymden, and he also performs as a trio with Henrik Schwarz & Dan Berglund. His "Bugge & Friends" projects with his friends including Erik Truffaz and İlhan Erşahin are among his most inspiring works of Wesseltoft. During a visit to Istanbul in 2018, he met Erkan Oğur and took a step to sign a brand new project with this artist whose work he found admirable. They are now preparing to give the first concert of this surprise project on the stage of the Akbank Jazz Festival. Accompanied by Alp Ersönmez at the bass and Volkan Öktem on the drums, get ready to witness a brand new musical language through this brand new collective.
Bugge Wesseltoft: Piano, Keyboards Erkan Oğur: Guitar
Alp Ersönmez: Bass
Volkan Öktem: Drums
CAZZIP PROJECT
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 21:30
THE BADAU AKASYA
Inspired by jazz stars and ensembles such as Hiromi Uehara, Avishai Cohen, Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Chick Corea Elektric Band, Gogo Penguin; Cazzip Project consists of bass guitarist Erhan Ertetik, drummer Ertuğrul Biber and pianist Aslı Özer, who came together to make the music they feel. Having won the 21st Istanbul Jazz Festival Young Jazz Competition, Cazzip Project continues their successful performances at prominent stages of Istanbul. You are invited to discover this young and talented trio, who after five years of preparation released their first album, Stories, where each song tells a different story.
Aslı Özer: Keyboards
Erhan Ertetik: Bass
Ertuğrul Biber: Drums
CHARLES LLOYD SKY TRIO FEAT. GERALD CLAYTON & MARVIN SEWELL
OCTOBER 23rd WEDNESDAY 20:30
CEMAL REŞIT REY KONSER SALONU
Legendary jazz musician, saxophone and flute virtuoso, composer Charles Lloyd's unique talent, as Carlos Santana put it, made him an international treasure. Lloyd, after making his first appearance in the 1960s with avant-garde improvisations, entered a state of semi-retirement in the 1970s, although he was living the most brilliant years of his career. During his isolated time in California, Big Sur occasionally showed up only in The Beach Boys' albums and tour concerts as a touring band member. Released in 1989, “Fish Out of Water”, his first album under the roof of ECM, ended his retreat years and opened a whole new chapter in his career. With the depth of his musical expression reflecting a lifetime of experience, he never left the stage again. Following up his many iconic albums, last year he released his latest album “Vanished Gardens”. Today at the age of 81, he is at the peak of his musical journey. Let the countdown begin to see this legend, accompanied by Gerald Clayton and Marvin Sewell at the Akbank Jazz Festival!
Charles Lloyd: Saxophone
Gerald Clayton: Piano
Marvin Sewell: Guitar
JAKOB BRO TRIO FEAT. JOEY BARON & THOMAS MORGAN
OCTOBER 22nd TUESDAY 20:30
ZORLU PSM
TURKCELL PLATINUM SAHNESI
Multi-awarded Danish musician, a prominent ECM artist Jakob Bro and his band Bro Trio are always in search for a contemplative aura while making music. Thanks to this shared desire, guitarist Jakob Bro, bassist Thomas Morgan, and drummer Joey Baron let the music breathe and create its own unique path. Their exploratory music is nourished by improvisation and the essence of their songs always derive from emotions with great depth. Following up their ECM studio album of 2016, “Streams” -which was lauded by The New York Times as “ravishing”- Jakob Bro Trio released “Bay of Rainbows” last year, an album recorded live in New York City’s prestigious jazz club Jazz Standard. This powerful trio is coming to Istanbul this autumn to meet the Akbank Jazz Festival audience. Do not miss this unique opportunity to witness Jakob Bro Trio’s inspiring performance as part of the concert series celebrating the 50th anniversary of ECM, that will showcase the strengths of the band’s unique spirit.
Jakob Bro: Guitar
Thomas Morgan: Double Bass
Joey Baron: Drums
KEREM GÖRSEV TRIO
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 20:30
CADDEBOSTAN KÜLTÜR MERKEZI
One of Turkey’s most prominent jazz musicians, Kerem Görsev will be the guest of Akbank Jazz Festival with an impressive performance. Following his debut album “Hands & Lips” in 1994, Görsev continued his career with 18 successful albums. He has performed on many prestigious stages worldwide and collaborated with stars such as Alan Broadbent, Ernie Watts, and Joe LaBarbera. Now he is adding a new one to his unique projects. Astonishing stories of twelve jazz districts of Istanbul will meet the audience through the compositions of Kerem Görsev. On the stage, Ferit Odman and Volkan Hürsever will accompany the virtuoso pianist, who sincerely reflects the city’s relationship with jazz. Join us on this special evening where beautiful stories of Istanbul will meet jazz melodies.
Kerem Görsev: Piano
Ferit Odman: Drums
Volkan Hürsever: Double Bass
KEREM TÜRKAYDIN “CANDID MUSIC”
OCTOBER 24th THURSDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
Considered as one of the most successful musicians of the Turkish jazz scene, a dedicated musician who has lived the music with full speed in every period of his life, Kerem Türkaydın has so far collaborated with many names such as Toygar Işıklı, Sıla, Grup Gündoğarken, Yıldız Tilbe, Mirkelam, and Zeliha Sunal. Also, he shared stages with many prominent jazz musicians such as Cem Tuncer, Elif Çağlar, Neşet Ruacan, Ediz Hafızoğlu, and Önder Focan. Producing music in different formats such as music arrangements and commercials, Türkaydın also continues to produce series and film music with the award-winning musician Cem Tuncer. After years of powerful collaborations, the successful musician released his instrumental eight-piece album, Candid Music, which comprises of his own original pieces and is led by his guitar. In the album, he was accompanied by Ferit Odman on drums, Kağan Yıldız on double bass, Adem Gülşen on piano, Serhan Erkol on alto and soprano saxophone, and guest musicians Göksun Çavdar (clarinet), İmer Demirer (trumpet), Şenova Ülker (flugelhorn), Emre Kayhan (trombone) and Seyid Mas (oboe). Now, a festival evening full of pieces from this special album is waiting for you.
Şenova Ülker: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Serhan Erkol: Alto Saxophone
Adem Gülşen: Piano
Kerem Türkaydın: Guitar
Baran Say: Bass Ferit Odman: Drums
KOKOROKO
OCTOBER 26th SATURDAY 21:30
BABYLON
In KOKOROKO’s music Afrobeat love translates into a striking, horn-fueled sound with West African roots and Inner London hues. The 8-Piece all-star band led by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey has always a strong presence on stage, with the harmonic combination of trumpet, alto saxophone, trombone, guitar, keyboards, bass, and percussion. Following in the footsteps of West Africa’s legends Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor, and Tony Allen, KOKOROKO knows well how to create unique and captivating melodies. Their hit song “Abusey Junction” was featured in the “We Out Here” album, a project from Brownswood Recordings celebrating London’s young jazz scene, along with Maisha, Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Triforce, and Joe Armon- Jones. The song was also selected as “Track of the Year” at the 2019 Worldwide Awards by Gilles Peterson. Their self-titled debut album released in March has already become one of the favorite albums of the year. Having played at iconic values so far, KOKOROKO will hit the Akbank Jazz Festival stage first time in Turkey, bringing the audience another unforgettable performance!
Sheila Maurice-Grey: Trumpet
Cassie Kinoshi: Alto Saxophone
Richie Seivwright: Trombone
Yohan Kebede: Keyboards
Matale Chashi: Bass
Onome Ighmare: Percussion
Ayo Salawu: Drums
LOUIS SCLAVIS QUARTET 'CHARACTERS ON A WALL'
OCTOBER 24th THURSDAY 21:30
BABYLON
One of ECM’s legendary artists, clarinetist, saxophonist, composer and improviser Louis Sclavis, is coming to Akbank Jazz Festival with his powerful ensemble Louis Sclavis Quartet to celebrate the inspiring label’s 50th anniversary in Istanbul. With the inspiration coming from Soft Machine, Sun Ra, and Art Ensemble of Chicago, Louis Sclavis began his professional career in 1975. At beginning of the ‘80s, he played with various ensembles and musicians such as Henri Texier's quartet, the Compagnie Lubat, Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath, Michel Portal, Tony Oxley, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Enrico Rava and Tomasz Stanko. In 1984 he started forming his own ensembles and since then he continues making band music. Louis Sclavis Quartet, who will take the stage at the festival, will perform pieces from their latest project “Characters on a Wall”. The main inspiration behind this album, Ernest Pignon-Ernest, is known as the ambassador of urban art in France, and he is also a long time collaborator of Louis Sclavis. Sclavis composed eight tunes based on eight of his collages. Join us for a night of celebration full of striking music and artistic inspiration.
Louis Sclavis: Clarinets
Sarah Murcia: Double Bass
Benjamin Moussay: Piano
Cristophe Lavergne: Drums
MAISHA
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 21:30
BABYLON
Maisha’s timeless music generates a unique style through traditional spiritual jazz by filtering their own influences, which range from jazz to Afrobeat, in every step of the musical process. The six-piece group led by bandleader Jake Long, released their debut EP in 2016. Between the members, Nubya Garcia played a significant part in shaping the early sound of the band. Their current sound rests on trance-inducing rhythms, instinctive musical interchange and repeated, deeply enriching melodic refrains. Maisha was featured in “We Out Here”, an early 2018 album by Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood, which documents London’s genre-bending, jazz-influenced young music scene. Only months after this contribution, they released their new album “There Is A Place” within the same year and received exciting reviews from platforms such as Downbeat and The Guardian. So far they’ve been featured on Boiler Room, supported the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, and played at Church of Sound. And now they will bring their laudable energy to the stage of Akbank Jazz Festival!
MATS EILERTSEN TRIO
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
Celebrating international jazz scene’s visionary label ECM’s 50th anniversary this year, Akbank Jazz Festival brings together the most influential artists of the label and the festival audience with a series of concerts. As part of this celebration, one of ECM’s growing stars, Norwegian double bass maestro and composer Mats Eilertsen will be at the festival stage, accompanied by his prestigious musicians with a decade- long career. Having released their critically- acclaimed latest album “And Then Comes The Night” this year, the avant-garde virtuoso trio proves to be one of the most prominent and exploratory jazz ensembles of today. Join us for this spectacular night!
Harmen Fraanje: Piano
Mats Eilertsen: Double Bass
Thomas Strønen: Drums
MEHMET ULUĞ NIGHT: I.M.C.TRIO
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 21:30
BABYLON
While remembering Mehmet Uluğ, freedom becomes the first thing that comes to jazz trumpeter İmer Demirer’s mind. He always remembers with admiration how Uluğ invited everyone around him to freedom, curiosity and creativity. Imer Demirer, who will take the stage with his new project I.M.C Trio at the Mehmet Uluğ Night held by Akbank Jazz Festival every year, is coming to share his music and feelings with the audience. Demirer's musical career that started at the Istanbul State Conservatory in 1976 livened up after graduation, he met jazz musicians such as Cem Aksel, Ilkin Deniz, Can Ayer and started to work with them. Over the years, he has collaborated with many leading musicians such as Ali Perret, Emin Fındıkoğlu, Erol Pekcan, Selçuk Sun, Tuna Ötenel, Neşet Ruacan, Mahmut Yalay, Ateş Tezer, Elvan Aracı, Selim Selçuk, Nükhet Ruacan, Nilüfer Verdi, Nükhet Aruca, Aydın Esen, Can Kozlu, Ayşe Gencer, Can Ayer, Oğuz Durukan, Önder Focan and Deniz Dündar. He has recorded many albums as a sideman and in 2009 he released his album “You, Me & Char” under the roof of Pozitif Muzik after being invited by Mehmet Uluğ. On this meaningful night at Babylon, after İ.M.C. Trio, P.D.K. (Ali Perret Trio), Aydın Esen and Bora Uzer Group will take the stage.
I.M.C. Trio
İmer Demirer: Trumpet
Kağan Yıldız: Double Bass
Can Kozlu: Drums
P.D.K. Trio
Ali Perret: Piano
Meriç Demirkol: Saxophone
Şenol Küçükyıldırım: Drums
Aydın Esen: Piano
Bora Uzer Group
NES
OCTOBER 17th THURSDAY 20:00
SUMMART SANAT MERKEZI
The genre-busting music of NES knows no categories or language barriers, carrying a free spirit similar to artists such as Anouar Brahem, Dhafer Youssef or Ibrahim Maalouf. The unified music language that brings together three members of NES is between traditional Arabic and world music, jazz and pop. Percussionist David Gadea, cellist Matthieu Saglio and the singer/cellist Nesrine Belmokh met in Valencia, Spain, became friends, created a trio, built a repertoire and chose a name: NES, Nesrine's nickname. The trio finally released their international debut album “Ahlam”, a long-held wish, in 2018. Nesrin’s vocals in English, French and Arabic, are accompanied by the astonishingly varied sounds of the cellist Matthieu Saglio - who also works with loop pedals, and the sometimes fiery, sometimes very delicate percussion by David Gadea constituting the virtuoso flamenco/jazz basis of this band. Join us in Akbank Jazz Festival this autumn and do not miss the concert of this exceptional trio.
Nesrine Belmokh: Vocal, Cello
Matthieu Saglio: Vocal, Cello
David Gadea: Percussions
PECOVIC ́ & KANACKI GUITAR DUO
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
An impressive combination of styles, ranging from Gypsy swing to authentic Balkan jazz, to light jazz-rock is what makes multi-awarded guitarist Mladen Pecovic ́’s music is so unique, communicative and fit for contemporary audience. His authentic performances showcase jazz standards as well as his original pieces, which carry the feelings of his inner journeys and observations of the world around him. Change of seasons, passion and symbols of time come together in perfect harmony. Pecovic ́ so far has been awarded first prizes
in international competitions such as Serbia Guitar Art Fest and 2012 Croatia Omis Guitar Fest. His performances with guitarist Kanacki as the acoustic guitar duo Pecovic ́/Kanacki received remarkable success at jazz festivals and programs. Also holding a busy concerts schedule with over sixty shows per year, Pecovic ́ is coming to Akbank Jazz Festival as his next exciting spot, in accompaniment with Kanacki. Join us to enjoy this powerful duo’s passionate guitars.
Mladen Pecovic: Guitar
Nemanja Kanacki: Guitar
SARAH McCOY
OCTOBER 23rd WEDNESDAY 21:30
BABYLON
The Beat spirit, which celebrates poetry and living on the road, comes to life in Sarah McCoy’s music. After leaving her hometown Charleston at the age of 20 and hitting the road by hitchhiking, her music has matured during the following California and New Orleans years through the live performances at bars, where she played piano and sang with her misty voice. Following in the footsteps of Tom Waits, Amy Winehouse, Leon Russell, and Nina Simone, her powerful singing technique was first discovered by film director Bruno Moynie in 2013. Moynie shot a film documentary on her and also arranged a concert tour of France. In 2017, Sarah opened in Paris for Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales at their album launch. She recorded her highly- acclaimed first album “Blood Siren” with two coproducers, Chilly Gonzales and Renaud Letang, the latter being the architect of recordings by artists such as Feist, Manu Chao, Seu Jorge, Jane Birkin, and Jamie Lidell. Sarah’s first concert in Istanbul definitely is not to be missed.
Sarah McCoy: Vocal, Guitar, Piano
THE JAMES CARTER ORGAN TRIO
OCTOBER 21st MONDAY 20:30
ZORLU PSM
TURKCELL PLATINUM SAHNESI
Virtuoso saxophonist James Carter, one of jazz’s most sophisticated improvisers, and his longest-running, most cohesive band James Carter Organ Trio bring a different kind of excitement to Akbank Jazz Festival this year. Like the legendary saxophonist Ben Webster, bandleader James Carter is known for his passionate and high- velocity solos but is just as likely to create sentimental tones. He applied his saxophone virtuosity to Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra on the album “Caribbean Rhapsody” in 2011. And within the same year, releasing James Carter’s Organ Trio’s latest album “At the Crossroads”, Carter got back to his musical roots. Featuring the gifted keyboard work of Detroit’s rising star Gerard Gibbs and the powerful drums of Alex White, James Carter Organ Trio is now in its seventeenth year. Bound by strong creative ties, this laudable trio mesmerizes the audience with each live performance, thanks to their command of extended techniques.
James Carter: Saxophone
Gerard Gibbs: Keyboard
Alex White: Drums
VAUDOU GAME
OCTOBER 17 th THURSDAY 21:30
BABYLON
Having released their ‘70s’ funk-fueled latest album “Otodi” last year, Vaudou Game combine their inspiration drawn from voodoo rituals with Afrobeat rhythms, funk and soul grooves in a unique way. Their colorful, mysterious and striking grooves -reminiscent those of James Brown- perfectly reflect the afro-funk spirit. The authentic influences of the African “vaudou” tradition, which gave its name to the Afro-French group from Lyon, also open new doors in the vocal technique of band leader Peter Solo. Firing up audiences across the world, from Togo to Belgium, Germany to Japan, Sweden to Canada, Vaudou Game brings their breathtakingly vibrant stage presence to İstanbul for an evening full of joy and dance.
Peter Solo: Lead Vocals, Guitar
Jeremy Garcia: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Ghislain Paillard: Saxophone, Percussion,
Backing Vocals
Aurelien Joly: Trombon, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Gaetan Ahouandjogbe: Bass, Backing Vocals
Gilbert Mannnonfi Ai-Nho: Drums, Backing Vocals
YONATHAN AVISHAI TRIO
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
One of the stars of piano jazz in France, Israeli-French Yonathan Avishai’s exceptional talent was first discovered through his bands where he played together with Arnie Lawrence, Omer Avital or Avishai Cohen. He has made important contributions to the music of Avishai Cohen, as documented on the albums Into The Silence and Cross My Palm With Silver under the label of ECM. He has also been developing his exciting trio project Yonathan Avishai Trio with double- bassist Yoni Zelnik and drummer Guilhem Flouzat over the last five years. After his contributions as a sideman to several ECM albums, “Joys and Solitude”, his first recording for the label under his name, was released at the beginning of 2019. In this album, he was accompanied by Yoni Zelnik as well as Donald Kontomanou. Yonathan Avishai’s poetic music -both melancholic and joyful at the same time- brings together inspirations from Cuba, New Orleans, Duke Ellington’s Harlem or Africa as the heart of jazz and swing moves. As part of the celebration concerts for legendary ECM’s 50th anniversary, Yonathan Avishai Trio will meet the festival audience in Istanbul for an unforgettable performance!
Yonathan Avishai: Piano
Yoni Zelnik: Double Bass
Guilhem Flouzat: Drums
ZUHAL OLCAY FEAT. GÜVENÇ DAĞÜSTÜN
OCTOBER 26th SATURDAY 20:30
CADDEBOSTAN KÜLTÜR MERKEZI
Zuhal Olcay, who has played significant characters in theater plays under the roofs of İstanbul, Ankara and İzmir State Conservatories for many years and received many awards in various countries around the world, started her musical journey in 1989 with the portrayal of Eva Peron in the musical Evita. After this success, she starred in the movie “After Yesterday, Before Tomorrow”, which attracted great attention thanks to the theme song sung by Olcay. So far she has released eight solo albums by working with names like Onno Tunç, Mehmet Teoman, Vedat Sakman, Selim Atakan, Bülent Ortaçgil, and Gürol Ağırbaş. She has also appeared in many collective albums. This autumn, Zuhal Olcay will be the guest of Akbank Jazz Festival with Güvenç Dağüstün, one of Turkey’s most remarkable artists of recent years, who has released his first solo album, “Evde Yoklar” in 2012. Released in 2018, his latest album in collaboration with pianist Ece Dağıstan, “Fazıl Say - Güz Şarkıları” ranked among the most successful albums of the year. Dağüstün became the first singer in Turkey who sang the vocals of Fazıl Say songs. Do not miss the opportunity to witness this impressive artist and Zuhal Olcay perform together on the same stage.
Zuhal Olcay: Vocal
Güvenç Dağüstün: Vocal Cem Tuncer: Guitar
Efecan Tuncer: Bass Levent Bursalı: Drums
Birol Ağırbaş: Percussions Engin Recepoğulları: Reeds Ercüment Orkut: Keyboards
JAZZ IN THE ROOM
BARRY GOOD
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 16:00
ZUHAL KONSEPT AKASYA
As a part of Akbank Jazz Festival’s new concept ‘Jazz in the Room’, which aims to transform the places of daily encounters into an intimate concert experience in a cozy home environment for the participants, Austrian band Barry Good will perform at Zuhal Concept’s studio. Lead by Lukas Schiemer, Barry Good plays groove- oriented vocal jazz and merges this style with elements of hip-hop and soul. After releasing their debut album ‘And how are you?’ in 2016 and touring in India, South America, Africa, Indonesia, Europe and the Middle East, they began to explore new paths and link their music with social, political and environmental issues. With their upcoming album ‘Sendezeit’ to be released on October, do not miss this special performance full of entertainment and improvisation!
Lukas Schiemer: Reeds, Vocals Jakob Mayr: Trombone
Simon Raab: Keyboards
Bernd Satzinger: Bass
Marc Vogel: Drums
STANDARDS & SELEN BEYTEKIN
OCTOBER 20th SUNDAY 18:00
AVUSTURYA BAŞKONSOLOSLUĞU REZIDANSI
Akbank Jazz Festival’s new concept ‘Jazz in the Room’ aims to transform the places of daily encounters into an intimate concert experience in a cozy home environment for the participants. You can spend a lovely Sunday in the magical atmosphere of the wine cellar of the residence of the Consulate General of Austria, accompanied by tasty traditional Austrian finger food, watching the acoustic performance of the jazz band Standards featuring the powerful and emotional vocals of Selen Beytekin. Coşkun İnsel on keyboards, Austrian Consul General, Gerhard Lutz, on bass, Siney Yılmaz on saxophone and Mertcan Bilgin on drums will take the stage.
Selen Beytekin: Vocal
Gerhard Lutz: Bass
Coşkun İnsel: Keyboards
Mertcan Bilgin: Drums
Siney Yılmaz: Saxophone
JAZZ OPEN MIC
OCTOBER 26th SATURDAY 21:00
TAMIRANE AKASYA
Do you want to sing jazz? Then the microphone is yours! For last 10 years, nu- DC Organization’s special event ‘Jazz Open Mic’ aims to provide a space for experience on stage, for those who are interested in jazz vocal performance. As a part of Akbank Jazz Festival’s new concept ‘Jazz Room’, which aims to transform the places of daily encounters into an intimate concert experience in a cozy home environment for the participants, this special ‘Jazz Open Mic’ event will take place in Tamirane Akasya. Presented by Elif Çağlar, accompanied by the orchestra featuring Çağrı Sertel on piano, Volkan Hürsever on double bass and Ediz Hafızoğlu on drums, participants are invited to perform jazz standards they prefer to perform on stage. Be sure not to miss this unique experience of sharing the stage with renowned musicians of the jazz scene.
Elif Çağlar: Vocal, Moderator
Çağrı Sertel: Piano
Volkan Hürsever: Double Bass
Ediz Hafızoğlu: Drums
JAZZ CUISINE
OCTOBER 17th THURSDAY 18:00
THE BADAU YELDEĞIRMENI
Akbank Jazz Festival’s brand new event “Jazz Cuisine” hosts an unusual sushi workshop. Serhan Erkol, the musician guest of the workshop kitchen in Badau, first prepares sushi behind the counter and then does a live performance of several songs. Focused on the idea of how two different disciplines are affected differently by 'the touch of the same artist', this workshop invites you to experience and observe the relationship preparing food and making music by one’s hand. You are invited to spend a beautiful day afternoon with Serhan Erkol, who worked with Ricky Ford, Lawrence “Butch” Morris, Donovan Mixon, Aydın Esen, Can Kozlu, Ali Perret at Bilgi University and took the stage in many clubs and festivals both in Turkey and abroad.
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 21:30
BABYLON
Blending melancholy jazz harmony with alternative hip-hop and soul, London based self-taught pianist, composer, multi- instrumentalist, rapper, and producer Alfa Mist released this year his latest studio album "Structuralism", as a follow up to the critically acclaimed debut, “Antiphon”. Now a prominent figure in London’s burgeoning jazz scene, Alfa Mist is also well known for the powerful collaborations he has done with inspiring artists such as Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Barney Artist, Mansur Brown and more recently Yussef Dayes. In his both vivid and meditative, genre-bending compositions, Alfa Mist perfectly brings together melancholic saxophone tunes with vibrant hip-hop elements. You are invited to meet this exceptional talent of new generation jazz in the Akbank Jazz Festival!
ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 20:30
CEMAL REŞIT REY KONSER SALONU
Avant-garde jazz band Art Ensemble of Chicago builds a unique musical universe by integrating different styles that span the history of jazz with the use of unique sounds and little instruments, traditional hand and stick drums, horns, bells, chimes, vibes, marimba, gongs of all sizes and an array of homemade and found sound objects. These objects serve each individual musician as an extension of their personality on their principal instruments of saxophones, flutes, trumpet and flugelhorn, double bass and drum set. Evolving from founder Roscoe Mitchell's musical vision, explorations and adventurous collaborations in Chicago of the early and mid-sixties, the amazing longevity of this musical entity owes to the shared willingness to support each member's individual musical interests and personal goals. Having released more than 70 live performances, studio recordings, videos and DVDs on a variety of labels including legendary ECM Records, Art Ensemble of Chicago will take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Both founded in 1969, ECM and Art Ensemble of Chicago are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Join us for this double celebration of two musical life- spans full of inspiring stories!
Roscoe Mitchell: Saxophone, Flute
Don Moye: Drums, Congas, Bongos
With guests:
Hugh Ragin: Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet, Flugelhorn Tomeka Reid: Cello
Brett Carson: Piano
Silvia Bolognesi: Double Bass Junius Paul: Double Bass, Objects Dudu Kouaté: African Percussion
BEBOP PROJECT
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 22:30
NARDIS JAZZ CLUB
The Bebop genre, which emerged in the late 1940s during the golden age of Swing, broke new ground in contrast to dance-oriented jazz melodies that were popular at the time. The high-paced bebop rhythms created performances during which the audience focused only on the stage, being admired by improvisations and solos. The best examples of this genre, which is still an important part of the jazz language today, takes place in Akbank Jazz Festival with Bebop Project. Şenova Ülker on trumpet, Engin Recepoğulları on tenor saxophone, Önder Focan on guitar, Ozan Musluoğlu on bass and Ayhan Öztoplu on drums, the quartet will take the stage, performing tunes of Bebop giants Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and also their originals.
Şenova Ülker: Trumpet
Engin Recepoğulları: Tenor Saxophone Önder Focan: Guitar
Ozan Musluoğlu: Bass
Ayhan Öztoplu: Drums
B’R ŞEYLER EKS’K
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 23:00
BOVA
Çağıl Kaya on vocals, Tamer Temel and Serhan Erkol on saxophones, Alper Yılmaz on bass and Volkan Öktem on drums give life to the music of B'r Şeyler Eks'k, who released their debut album last April. Inspired by the musical approaches of Steve Lehman, Selebeyone, Kendrick Lamar and masterfully blending rap and jazz elements, the album has so far gained remarkable attraction. During their busy schedule, having fun while working in the studio or at stage performances are essential to B'r Şeyler Eks'k. So in addition to their own compositions, they also focus on new arrangements of the songs from musicians such as Wayne Shorter, David Binney, Steve Coleman, Mark Zubek, and bands such as Rage Against The Machine and Queens of The Stone Age. You are invited to witness the band's vibrant energy on a lively festival evening!
Çağıl Kaya: Vocal
Tamer Temel: Saxophone Serhan Erkol: Saxophone Alper Yılmaz: Bass Volkan Öktem: Drums
BUGGE WESSELTOFT & ERKAN OĞUR & FRIENDS
OCTOBER 24th THURSDAY 21:00
MODA SAHNESI
Norwegian jazz virtuoso Bugge Wesseltoft believes artists should always pursue their own unique way of personal expression. Always a true explorer of music, he made significant contributions to the emergence and shaping of the Northern Jazz genre, which is considered as a distinctive style in modern jazz today. Since the early 1990s, he has always been able to create a unique sound during his career, which in the meantime has gone through a post- modern transition. With his iconic project New Conception of Jazz, which he devoted to new discoveries, and his record label Jazzland Recordings, he is one of the musicians who keep the pulse of jazz today. At the same time, Wesseltoft is one of the names that gave life to Rymden, and he also performs as a trio with Henrik Schwarz & Dan Berglund. His "Bugge & Friends" projects with his friends including Erik Truffaz and İlhan Erşahin are among his most inspiring works of Wesseltoft. During a visit to Istanbul in 2018, he met Erkan Oğur and took a step to sign a brand new project with this artist whose work he found admirable. They are now preparing to give the first concert of this surprise project on the stage of the Akbank Jazz Festival. Accompanied by Alp Ersönmez at the bass and Volkan Öktem on the drums, get ready to witness a brand new musical language through this brand new collective.
Bugge Wesseltoft: Piano, Keyboards Erkan Oğur: Guitar
Alp Ersönmez: Bass
Volkan Öktem: Drums
CAZZIP PROJECT
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 21:30
THE BADAU AKASYA
Inspired by jazz stars and ensembles such as Hiromi Uehara, Avishai Cohen, Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Chick Corea Elektric Band, Gogo Penguin; Cazzip Project consists of bass guitarist Erhan Ertetik, drummer Ertuğrul Biber and pianist Aslı Özer, who came together to make the music they feel. Having won the 21st Istanbul Jazz Festival Young Jazz Competition, Cazzip Project continues their successful performances at prominent stages of Istanbul. You are invited to discover this young and talented trio, who after five years of preparation released their first album, Stories, where each song tells a different story.
Aslı Özer: Keyboards
Erhan Ertetik: Bass
Ertuğrul Biber: Drums
CHARLES LLOYD SKY TRIO FEAT. GERALD CLAYTON & MARVIN SEWELL
OCTOBER 23rd WEDNESDAY 20:30
CEMAL REŞIT REY KONSER SALONU
Legendary jazz musician, saxophone and flute virtuoso, composer Charles Lloyd's unique talent, as Carlos Santana put it, made him an international treasure. Lloyd, after making his first appearance in the 1960s with avant-garde improvisations, entered a state of semi-retirement in the 1970s, although he was living the most brilliant years of his career. During his isolated time in California, Big Sur occasionally showed up only in The Beach Boys' albums and tour concerts as a touring band member. Released in 1989, “Fish Out of Water”, his first album under the roof of ECM, ended his retreat years and opened a whole new chapter in his career. With the depth of his musical expression reflecting a lifetime of experience, he never left the stage again. Following up his many iconic albums, last year he released his latest album “Vanished Gardens”. Today at the age of 81, he is at the peak of his musical journey. Let the countdown begin to see this legend, accompanied by Gerald Clayton and Marvin Sewell at the Akbank Jazz Festival!
Charles Lloyd: Saxophone
Gerald Clayton: Piano
Marvin Sewell: Guitar
JAKOB BRO TRIO FEAT. JOEY BARON & THOMAS MORGAN
OCTOBER 22nd TUESDAY 20:30
ZORLU PSM
TURKCELL PLATINUM SAHNESI
Multi-awarded Danish musician, a prominent ECM artist Jakob Bro and his band Bro Trio are always in search for a contemplative aura while making music. Thanks to this shared desire, guitarist Jakob Bro, bassist Thomas Morgan, and drummer Joey Baron let the music breathe and create its own unique path. Their exploratory music is nourished by improvisation and the essence of their songs always derive from emotions with great depth. Following up their ECM studio album of 2016, “Streams” -which was lauded by The New York Times as “ravishing”- Jakob Bro Trio released “Bay of Rainbows” last year, an album recorded live in New York City’s prestigious jazz club Jazz Standard. This powerful trio is coming to Istanbul this autumn to meet the Akbank Jazz Festival audience. Do not miss this unique opportunity to witness Jakob Bro Trio’s inspiring performance as part of the concert series celebrating the 50th anniversary of ECM, that will showcase the strengths of the band’s unique spirit.
Jakob Bro: Guitar
Thomas Morgan: Double Bass
Joey Baron: Drums
KEREM GÖRSEV TRIO
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 20:30
CADDEBOSTAN KÜLTÜR MERKEZI
One of Turkey’s most prominent jazz musicians, Kerem Görsev will be the guest of Akbank Jazz Festival with an impressive performance. Following his debut album “Hands & Lips” in 1994, Görsev continued his career with 18 successful albums. He has performed on many prestigious stages worldwide and collaborated with stars such as Alan Broadbent, Ernie Watts, and Joe LaBarbera. Now he is adding a new one to his unique projects. Astonishing stories of twelve jazz districts of Istanbul will meet the audience through the compositions of Kerem Görsev. On the stage, Ferit Odman and Volkan Hürsever will accompany the virtuoso pianist, who sincerely reflects the city’s relationship with jazz. Join us on this special evening where beautiful stories of Istanbul will meet jazz melodies.
Kerem Görsev: Piano
Ferit Odman: Drums
Volkan Hürsever: Double Bass
KEREM TÜRKAYDIN “CANDID MUSIC”
OCTOBER 24th THURSDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
Considered as one of the most successful musicians of the Turkish jazz scene, a dedicated musician who has lived the music with full speed in every period of his life, Kerem Türkaydın has so far collaborated with many names such as Toygar Işıklı, Sıla, Grup Gündoğarken, Yıldız Tilbe, Mirkelam, and Zeliha Sunal. Also, he shared stages with many prominent jazz musicians such as Cem Tuncer, Elif Çağlar, Neşet Ruacan, Ediz Hafızoğlu, and Önder Focan. Producing music in different formats such as music arrangements and commercials, Türkaydın also continues to produce series and film music with the award-winning musician Cem Tuncer. After years of powerful collaborations, the successful musician released his instrumental eight-piece album, Candid Music, which comprises of his own original pieces and is led by his guitar. In the album, he was accompanied by Ferit Odman on drums, Kağan Yıldız on double bass, Adem Gülşen on piano, Serhan Erkol on alto and soprano saxophone, and guest musicians Göksun Çavdar (clarinet), İmer Demirer (trumpet), Şenova Ülker (flugelhorn), Emre Kayhan (trombone) and Seyid Mas (oboe). Now, a festival evening full of pieces from this special album is waiting for you.
Şenova Ülker: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Serhan Erkol: Alto Saxophone
Adem Gülşen: Piano
Kerem Türkaydın: Guitar
Baran Say: Bass Ferit Odman: Drums
KOKOROKO
OCTOBER 26th SATURDAY 21:30
BABYLON
In KOKOROKO’s music Afrobeat love translates into a striking, horn-fueled sound with West African roots and Inner London hues. The 8-Piece all-star band led by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey has always a strong presence on stage, with the harmonic combination of trumpet, alto saxophone, trombone, guitar, keyboards, bass, and percussion. Following in the footsteps of West Africa’s legends Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor, and Tony Allen, KOKOROKO knows well how to create unique and captivating melodies. Their hit song “Abusey Junction” was featured in the “We Out Here” album, a project from Brownswood Recordings celebrating London’s young jazz scene, along with Maisha, Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Triforce, and Joe Armon- Jones. The song was also selected as “Track of the Year” at the 2019 Worldwide Awards by Gilles Peterson. Their self-titled debut album released in March has already become one of the favorite albums of the year. Having played at iconic values so far, KOKOROKO will hit the Akbank Jazz Festival stage first time in Turkey, bringing the audience another unforgettable performance!
Sheila Maurice-Grey: Trumpet
Cassie Kinoshi: Alto Saxophone
Richie Seivwright: Trombone
Yohan Kebede: Keyboards
Matale Chashi: Bass
Onome Ighmare: Percussion
Ayo Salawu: Drums
LOUIS SCLAVIS QUARTET 'CHARACTERS ON A WALL'
OCTOBER 24th THURSDAY 21:30
BABYLON
One of ECM’s legendary artists, clarinetist, saxophonist, composer and improviser Louis Sclavis, is coming to Akbank Jazz Festival with his powerful ensemble Louis Sclavis Quartet to celebrate the inspiring label’s 50th anniversary in Istanbul. With the inspiration coming from Soft Machine, Sun Ra, and Art Ensemble of Chicago, Louis Sclavis began his professional career in 1975. At beginning of the ‘80s, he played with various ensembles and musicians such as Henri Texier's quartet, the Compagnie Lubat, Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath, Michel Portal, Tony Oxley, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Enrico Rava and Tomasz Stanko. In 1984 he started forming his own ensembles and since then he continues making band music. Louis Sclavis Quartet, who will take the stage at the festival, will perform pieces from their latest project “Characters on a Wall”. The main inspiration behind this album, Ernest Pignon-Ernest, is known as the ambassador of urban art in France, and he is also a long time collaborator of Louis Sclavis. Sclavis composed eight tunes based on eight of his collages. Join us for a night of celebration full of striking music and artistic inspiration.
Louis Sclavis: Clarinets
Sarah Murcia: Double Bass
Benjamin Moussay: Piano
Cristophe Lavergne: Drums
MAISHA
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 21:30
BABYLON
Maisha’s timeless music generates a unique style through traditional spiritual jazz by filtering their own influences, which range from jazz to Afrobeat, in every step of the musical process. The six-piece group led by bandleader Jake Long, released their debut EP in 2016. Between the members, Nubya Garcia played a significant part in shaping the early sound of the band. Their current sound rests on trance-inducing rhythms, instinctive musical interchange and repeated, deeply enriching melodic refrains. Maisha was featured in “We Out Here”, an early 2018 album by Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood, which documents London’s genre-bending, jazz-influenced young music scene. Only months after this contribution, they released their new album “There Is A Place” within the same year and received exciting reviews from platforms such as Downbeat and The Guardian. So far they’ve been featured on Boiler Room, supported the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, and played at Church of Sound. And now they will bring their laudable energy to the stage of Akbank Jazz Festival!
MATS EILERTSEN TRIO
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
Celebrating international jazz scene’s visionary label ECM’s 50th anniversary this year, Akbank Jazz Festival brings together the most influential artists of the label and the festival audience with a series of concerts. As part of this celebration, one of ECM’s growing stars, Norwegian double bass maestro and composer Mats Eilertsen will be at the festival stage, accompanied by his prestigious musicians with a decade- long career. Having released their critically- acclaimed latest album “And Then Comes The Night” this year, the avant-garde virtuoso trio proves to be one of the most prominent and exploratory jazz ensembles of today. Join us for this spectacular night!
Harmen Fraanje: Piano
Mats Eilertsen: Double Bass
Thomas Strønen: Drums
MEHMET ULUĞ NIGHT: I.M.C.TRIO
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 21:30
BABYLON
While remembering Mehmet Uluğ, freedom becomes the first thing that comes to jazz trumpeter İmer Demirer’s mind. He always remembers with admiration how Uluğ invited everyone around him to freedom, curiosity and creativity. Imer Demirer, who will take the stage with his new project I.M.C Trio at the Mehmet Uluğ Night held by Akbank Jazz Festival every year, is coming to share his music and feelings with the audience. Demirer's musical career that started at the Istanbul State Conservatory in 1976 livened up after graduation, he met jazz musicians such as Cem Aksel, Ilkin Deniz, Can Ayer and started to work with them. Over the years, he has collaborated with many leading musicians such as Ali Perret, Emin Fındıkoğlu, Erol Pekcan, Selçuk Sun, Tuna Ötenel, Neşet Ruacan, Mahmut Yalay, Ateş Tezer, Elvan Aracı, Selim Selçuk, Nükhet Ruacan, Nilüfer Verdi, Nükhet Aruca, Aydın Esen, Can Kozlu, Ayşe Gencer, Can Ayer, Oğuz Durukan, Önder Focan and Deniz Dündar. He has recorded many albums as a sideman and in 2009 he released his album “You, Me & Char” under the roof of Pozitif Muzik after being invited by Mehmet Uluğ. On this meaningful night at Babylon, after İ.M.C. Trio, P.D.K. (Ali Perret Trio), Aydın Esen and Bora Uzer Group will take the stage.
I.M.C. Trio
İmer Demirer: Trumpet
Kağan Yıldız: Double Bass
Can Kozlu: Drums
P.D.K. Trio
Ali Perret: Piano
Meriç Demirkol: Saxophone
Şenol Küçükyıldırım: Drums
Aydın Esen: Piano
Bora Uzer Group
NES
OCTOBER 17th THURSDAY 20:00
SUMMART SANAT MERKEZI
The genre-busting music of NES knows no categories or language barriers, carrying a free spirit similar to artists such as Anouar Brahem, Dhafer Youssef or Ibrahim Maalouf. The unified music language that brings together three members of NES is between traditional Arabic and world music, jazz and pop. Percussionist David Gadea, cellist Matthieu Saglio and the singer/cellist Nesrine Belmokh met in Valencia, Spain, became friends, created a trio, built a repertoire and chose a name: NES, Nesrine's nickname. The trio finally released their international debut album “Ahlam”, a long-held wish, in 2018. Nesrin’s vocals in English, French and Arabic, are accompanied by the astonishingly varied sounds of the cellist Matthieu Saglio - who also works with loop pedals, and the sometimes fiery, sometimes very delicate percussion by David Gadea constituting the virtuoso flamenco/jazz basis of this band. Join us in Akbank Jazz Festival this autumn and do not miss the concert of this exceptional trio.
Nesrine Belmokh: Vocal, Cello
Matthieu Saglio: Vocal, Cello
David Gadea: Percussions
PECOVIC ́ & KANACKI GUITAR DUO
OCTOBER 25th FRIDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
An impressive combination of styles, ranging from Gypsy swing to authentic Balkan jazz, to light jazz-rock is what makes multi-awarded guitarist Mladen Pecovic ́’s music is so unique, communicative and fit for contemporary audience. His authentic performances showcase jazz standards as well as his original pieces, which carry the feelings of his inner journeys and observations of the world around him. Change of seasons, passion and symbols of time come together in perfect harmony. Pecovic ́ so far has been awarded first prizes
in international competitions such as Serbia Guitar Art Fest and 2012 Croatia Omis Guitar Fest. His performances with guitarist Kanacki as the acoustic guitar duo Pecovic ́/Kanacki received remarkable success at jazz festivals and programs. Also holding a busy concerts schedule with over sixty shows per year, Pecovic ́ is coming to Akbank Jazz Festival as his next exciting spot, in accompaniment with Kanacki. Join us to enjoy this powerful duo’s passionate guitars.
Mladen Pecovic: Guitar
Nemanja Kanacki: Guitar
SARAH McCOY
OCTOBER 23rd WEDNESDAY 21:30
BABYLON
The Beat spirit, which celebrates poetry and living on the road, comes to life in Sarah McCoy’s music. After leaving her hometown Charleston at the age of 20 and hitting the road by hitchhiking, her music has matured during the following California and New Orleans years through the live performances at bars, where she played piano and sang with her misty voice. Following in the footsteps of Tom Waits, Amy Winehouse, Leon Russell, and Nina Simone, her powerful singing technique was first discovered by film director Bruno Moynie in 2013. Moynie shot a film documentary on her and also arranged a concert tour of France. In 2017, Sarah opened in Paris for Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales at their album launch. She recorded her highly- acclaimed first album “Blood Siren” with two coproducers, Chilly Gonzales and Renaud Letang, the latter being the architect of recordings by artists such as Feist, Manu Chao, Seu Jorge, Jane Birkin, and Jamie Lidell. Sarah’s first concert in Istanbul definitely is not to be missed.
Sarah McCoy: Vocal, Guitar, Piano
THE JAMES CARTER ORGAN TRIO
OCTOBER 21st MONDAY 20:30
ZORLU PSM
TURKCELL PLATINUM SAHNESI
Virtuoso saxophonist James Carter, one of jazz’s most sophisticated improvisers, and his longest-running, most cohesive band James Carter Organ Trio bring a different kind of excitement to Akbank Jazz Festival this year. Like the legendary saxophonist Ben Webster, bandleader James Carter is known for his passionate and high- velocity solos but is just as likely to create sentimental tones. He applied his saxophone virtuosity to Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra on the album “Caribbean Rhapsody” in 2011. And within the same year, releasing James Carter’s Organ Trio’s latest album “At the Crossroads”, Carter got back to his musical roots. Featuring the gifted keyboard work of Detroit’s rising star Gerard Gibbs and the powerful drums of Alex White, James Carter Organ Trio is now in its seventeenth year. Bound by strong creative ties, this laudable trio mesmerizes the audience with each live performance, thanks to their command of extended techniques.
James Carter: Saxophone
Gerard Gibbs: Keyboard
Alex White: Drums
VAUDOU GAME
OCTOBER 17 th THURSDAY 21:30
BABYLON
Having released their ‘70s’ funk-fueled latest album “Otodi” last year, Vaudou Game combine their inspiration drawn from voodoo rituals with Afrobeat rhythms, funk and soul grooves in a unique way. Their colorful, mysterious and striking grooves -reminiscent those of James Brown- perfectly reflect the afro-funk spirit. The authentic influences of the African “vaudou” tradition, which gave its name to the Afro-French group from Lyon, also open new doors in the vocal technique of band leader Peter Solo. Firing up audiences across the world, from Togo to Belgium, Germany to Japan, Sweden to Canada, Vaudou Game brings their breathtakingly vibrant stage presence to İstanbul for an evening full of joy and dance.
Peter Solo: Lead Vocals, Guitar
Jeremy Garcia: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Ghislain Paillard: Saxophone, Percussion,
Backing Vocals
Aurelien Joly: Trombon, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Gaetan Ahouandjogbe: Bass, Backing Vocals
Gilbert Mannnonfi Ai-Nho: Drums, Backing Vocals
YONATHAN AVISHAI TRIO
OCTOBER 18th FRIDAY 19:00
AKBANK SANAT
One of the stars of piano jazz in France, Israeli-French Yonathan Avishai’s exceptional talent was first discovered through his bands where he played together with Arnie Lawrence, Omer Avital or Avishai Cohen. He has made important contributions to the music of Avishai Cohen, as documented on the albums Into The Silence and Cross My Palm With Silver under the label of ECM. He has also been developing his exciting trio project Yonathan Avishai Trio with double- bassist Yoni Zelnik and drummer Guilhem Flouzat over the last five years. After his contributions as a sideman to several ECM albums, “Joys and Solitude”, his first recording for the label under his name, was released at the beginning of 2019. In this album, he was accompanied by Yoni Zelnik as well as Donald Kontomanou. Yonathan Avishai’s poetic music -both melancholic and joyful at the same time- brings together inspirations from Cuba, New Orleans, Duke Ellington’s Harlem or Africa as the heart of jazz and swing moves. As part of the celebration concerts for legendary ECM’s 50th anniversary, Yonathan Avishai Trio will meet the festival audience in Istanbul for an unforgettable performance!
Yonathan Avishai: Piano
Yoni Zelnik: Double Bass
Guilhem Flouzat: Drums
ZUHAL OLCAY FEAT. GÜVENÇ DAĞÜSTÜN
OCTOBER 26th SATURDAY 20:30
CADDEBOSTAN KÜLTÜR MERKEZI
Zuhal Olcay, who has played significant characters in theater plays under the roofs of İstanbul, Ankara and İzmir State Conservatories for many years and received many awards in various countries around the world, started her musical journey in 1989 with the portrayal of Eva Peron in the musical Evita. After this success, she starred in the movie “After Yesterday, Before Tomorrow”, which attracted great attention thanks to the theme song sung by Olcay. So far she has released eight solo albums by working with names like Onno Tunç, Mehmet Teoman, Vedat Sakman, Selim Atakan, Bülent Ortaçgil, and Gürol Ağırbaş. She has also appeared in many collective albums. This autumn, Zuhal Olcay will be the guest of Akbank Jazz Festival with Güvenç Dağüstün, one of Turkey’s most remarkable artists of recent years, who has released his first solo album, “Evde Yoklar” in 2012. Released in 2018, his latest album in collaboration with pianist Ece Dağıstan, “Fazıl Say - Güz Şarkıları” ranked among the most successful albums of the year. Dağüstün became the first singer in Turkey who sang the vocals of Fazıl Say songs. Do not miss the opportunity to witness this impressive artist and Zuhal Olcay perform together on the same stage.
Zuhal Olcay: Vocal
Güvenç Dağüstün: Vocal Cem Tuncer: Guitar
Efecan Tuncer: Bass Levent Bursalı: Drums
Birol Ağırbaş: Percussions Engin Recepoğulları: Reeds Ercüment Orkut: Keyboards
JAZZ IN THE ROOM
BARRY GOOD
OCTOBER 19th SATURDAY 16:00
ZUHAL KONSEPT AKASYA
As a part of Akbank Jazz Festival’s new concept ‘Jazz in the Room’, which aims to transform the places of daily encounters into an intimate concert experience in a cozy home environment for the participants, Austrian band Barry Good will perform at Zuhal Concept’s studio. Lead by Lukas Schiemer, Barry Good plays groove- oriented vocal jazz and merges this style with elements of hip-hop and soul. After releasing their debut album ‘And how are you?’ in 2016 and touring in India, South America, Africa, Indonesia, Europe and the Middle East, they began to explore new paths and link their music with social, political and environmental issues. With their upcoming album ‘Sendezeit’ to be released on October, do not miss this special performance full of entertainment and improvisation!
Lukas Schiemer: Reeds, Vocals Jakob Mayr: Trombone
Simon Raab: Keyboards
Bernd Satzinger: Bass
Marc Vogel: Drums
STANDARDS & SELEN BEYTEKIN
OCTOBER 20th SUNDAY 18:00
AVUSTURYA BAŞKONSOLOSLUĞU REZIDANSI
Akbank Jazz Festival’s new concept ‘Jazz in the Room’ aims to transform the places of daily encounters into an intimate concert experience in a cozy home environment for the participants. You can spend a lovely Sunday in the magical atmosphere of the wine cellar of the residence of the Consulate General of Austria, accompanied by tasty traditional Austrian finger food, watching the acoustic performance of the jazz band Standards featuring the powerful and emotional vocals of Selen Beytekin. Coşkun İnsel on keyboards, Austrian Consul General, Gerhard Lutz, on bass, Siney Yılmaz on saxophone and Mertcan Bilgin on drums will take the stage.
Selen Beytekin: Vocal
Gerhard Lutz: Bass
Coşkun İnsel: Keyboards
Mertcan Bilgin: Drums
Siney Yılmaz: Saxophone
JAZZ OPEN MIC
OCTOBER 26th SATURDAY 21:00
TAMIRANE AKASYA
Do you want to sing jazz? Then the microphone is yours! For last 10 years, nu- DC Organization’s special event ‘Jazz Open Mic’ aims to provide a space for experience on stage, for those who are interested in jazz vocal performance. As a part of Akbank Jazz Festival’s new concept ‘Jazz Room’, which aims to transform the places of daily encounters into an intimate concert experience in a cozy home environment for the participants, this special ‘Jazz Open Mic’ event will take place in Tamirane Akasya. Presented by Elif Çağlar, accompanied by the orchestra featuring Çağrı Sertel on piano, Volkan Hürsever on double bass and Ediz Hafızoğlu on drums, participants are invited to perform jazz standards they prefer to perform on stage. Be sure not to miss this unique experience of sharing the stage with renowned musicians of the jazz scene.
Elif Çağlar: Vocal, Moderator
Çağrı Sertel: Piano
Volkan Hürsever: Double Bass
Ediz Hafızoğlu: Drums
JAZZ CUISINE
OCTOBER 17th THURSDAY 18:00
THE BADAU YELDEĞIRMENI
Akbank Jazz Festival’s brand new event “Jazz Cuisine” hosts an unusual sushi workshop. Serhan Erkol, the musician guest of the workshop kitchen in Badau, first prepares sushi behind the counter and then does a live performance of several songs. Focused on the idea of how two different disciplines are affected differently by 'the touch of the same artist', this workshop invites you to experience and observe the relationship preparing food and making music by one’s hand. You are invited to spend a beautiful day afternoon with Serhan Erkol, who worked with Ricky Ford, Lawrence “Butch” Morris, Donovan Mixon, Aydın Esen, Can Kozlu, Ali Perret at Bilgi University and took the stage in many clubs and festivals both in Turkey and abroad.
