The blues came to Istanbul on Saturday (12/12/2015), but instead of being a melancholic affair with musicians pouring their hearts out about love lost, they mixed some gospel, funk, and soul to keep everyone at Volkswagen Arena on their toes throughout the night for the Istanbul Blues Sessions. With performers hailing from the Mississippi Delta and Chicago, mixed with some local talent they displayed their musical ranges in one of Istanbul’s largest musical venues.
The night kicked off with the homegrown Berk Arıhan Blues Experience which managed to liven up all the locals who were excited to see that blues and R&B isn’t only an American innovation. The crowd was definitely pumped to see one of their own produce a blues rock performance with a crunching guitar that foretold an affinity with the sounds that followed.
Afterwards, Mississippi Heat, with the eccentric and entertaining Sax Gordon, came to the stage and played a set that was bleeding traditional blues music with elements of funk and big band piercing through. Sax Gordon brought his, well… saxophone to spice up the set with some of that big band swing that contrasted perfectly to bandleader Pierre Lacocque’s harmonica. I had heard these guys were a more classic blues band, but their live performance gave an energy that was so much more than that.
Finally, the Dave Herrero Trio and their roots rock infused blues lit up the stage next to Katherine Davis‘ unbelievably soulful voice. Dave’s wavelike guitar solos and the rhythm section’s beats were like a group of syncopated metronomes magically in time that created what was probably the best performance I’ve seen in my time in Istanbul. These guys prepped everyone in attendance for the legend, Jimmy Burns, who at the age of 72 proved that he’s still got it. His rhythmic playing paired so well with Dave’s soloing. His smoky voice did the same with Katherine Davis’ velvety one. Jimmy finished his part of the set with a rendition of “Stand By Me”. Jimmy took a well deserved break, so they invited the powerful voice of Elif Çağlar whose vocals pulsated a vibrato that was as quick and precise as Dave Herrero’s guitar. With Elif they performed more rock music with what felt like some reggae influence. They even performed a Barış Manço song. At the very end, Jimmy and Katherine came back on stage for a few more songs to close out the evening.
After the show I managed to get a few words in with the group who all professed to loving Istanbul and wanting to come back (this was a second trip for most of them). So, if you missed it this time, you’ve likely got a chance to make up for it. It’s a blues experience you won’t forget.
David Jaques is a contributor for Yabangee.
Featured Image Source – Pozitif Live
I was there and it was litterally music to my ears. All band members were super cool and talented. Everyone sang along with “Stand By Me” and had lots of fun. I still vividly Jimmy Burns and Dave Herrero’s amazing solos and guitar duet. As you said I’ll never forget about this lovely blues night. Can’t wait to listen to them in their hometown.