I was pretty upset about missing Ilhan Erşahin perform on the Denizde Caz cruise this August. So when I checked Babylon Bomonti’s Fall & Winter program and saw his name, I couldn’t wait for October to come. Well, Ilhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions didn’t disappoint: it was a lovely Friday night full of inspiring music!
When I first heard about Ilhan Erşahin and his music, it was 2011 and I was in New York. I remember walking to my friend’s computer and asking the name of the saxophonist behind that amazing sound. “Oh he’s Turkish!” she replied. I started listening to his music and saw how it carries the soul of Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Miles Davis and jazz legends like John Coltrane. Since then I’ve been a big fan of Erşahin. He’s not just a saxophonist, but also a composer, producer, festival curator, and the owner of Nublu club in the East Village and Nublu Records. He is one of those people who you can describe as a true musician.
But it wasn’t just Erşahin who shined on Friday night. The performances of his friends in the band were quite remarkable. Turgut Alp Bekoğlu on drums, Alp Ersönmez on guitar and Izzet Kızıl on percussion created real harmony. I watched all of them close their eyes, lose themselves in the music that came out of their beautiful instruments, and forget about the crowd.
They not only played well and with enthusiasm, but did so for quite a long time: they came on the stage around 11 pm and there were two sets with a small break between the two. When Erşahin took the microphone and asked, with all his sympathy, for a small break for some air and wine, he emphasized that it was not time to leave yet… like we could have! As the evening continued, Erşahin invited two young musicians to the stage. Plus, because it was an album launch concert, we were treated to some new songs. I think “Sarıyer” is going to be my new favorite.
Also, since we love the new Bayblon Bomonti so much, we were happy to be back. The venue’s atmosphere, decoration and lights bring a different energy to each performance, that’s for sure. So for me, it was also perfect place for Ilhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions, which combines jazz, soul, funk, rock and – thanks to the percussion – oriental sounds and surprises you at every turn.
Listening to Ilhan Erşahin and his band in the heart of my town, at one of my favorite venues accompanied by good friends and a few drinks brought so much joy to me last Friday. When I had to leave it was almost 2 am, and they were still rocking on stage with their contagious energy. Needless to say, it was hard to tear myself away!
Featured Image Source: G. Esen
