The 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and sponsored by Garanti Bank for the past 19 years, will take place between 27 June and 25 July 2016. This year’s festival will once again host leading names from the world of jazz and stars of contemporary music in different venues around Istanbul.
This summer, over 200 Turkish and international musicians will participate in the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, giving music lovers in Istanbul the chance to see jazz legends in approximately 50 concerts performed in more than 20 venues. The 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival programme includes a range of jazz, funk, world music, blues and rock performances, with highlights including the legendary Nile Rodgers and his group CHIC, as well as current and former members of The Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music with Damon Albarn, Kamasi Washington, Laura Mvula, Ernest Ranglin, Hugh Coltman, Joss Stone, Vintage Trouble, and Gregory Porter. Once again the “Jazz at Parks” and “Night Out” events will be held on the Asian side of Istanbul as part of the festival programme. The festival features a children’s event for the first time this year. “A Childlike Day” will feature performances and workshops for children.
23rd ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESS MEETING
The programme of the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival was announced at a press meeting held on the evening of Monday 28 March at Nola Istanbul. Speaking at the press meeting were General Director of İKSV Görgün Taner, Executive Vice President of Garanti Bank Nafiz Karadere, and Director of the Istanbul Jazz Festival Pelin Opcin. The press meeting was also attended by well-known musicians and jazz performers from Turkey.
General Director of İKSV Görgün Taner said, “Each year, during these months, we are used to a blooming sense of festivity capturing the town, with the coming of spring and the beginning of Istanbul Festivals. Unfortunately, this year, we go through a deep sadness and concern instead, due to incidents taking place in Turkey and abroad. Now, more than ever, we are in need of the power that arts equip us with, towards building a culture of peace. We believe that through celebrating universal values, cultural and artistic events, such as the Istanbul Jazz Festival, will empower us to look towards the future with hope. It is our sincere wish that our festivals will be uplifting experiences for our audiences.”
Executive Vice President of Garanti Bank Nafiz Karadere said, “Playing an important role in creating a jazz culture in our country, the Istanbul Jazz Festival is in its 23rd year. The Istanbul Jazz Festival has brought many international stars to our stages, and we at Garanti Bank are very happy to have continuously supported the festival for 19 years with ‘Garanti Jazz Green’. We very much hope that the dynamism of jazz that has taken shape within the universality of music will spread to even wider audiences this year.”
Director of the Istanbul Jazz Festival Pelin Opcin, with the Assistant Director Harun İzer, and Istanbul Jazz Festival’s Operation Coordinators Bahar Akbaş and Beril Azizoğlu, provided information on the festival programme and events.
A FESTIVAL THROUGHOUT THE CITY
Two new venues, Beykoz Kundura (former shoe factory) and Bomontiada, will be used to host concerts in the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, joining other festival venues including the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre, Embassy of Germany Tarabya Summer Residence, Fenerbahçe Park and Fenerbahçe Khalkedon, Austrian Cultural Office Garden, Istanbul High School Garden, KüçükÇiftlik Park, Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Salon İKSV, Uniq Open-Air Theatre, Zorlu PSM Main Theatre and Zorlu PSM Drama Theatre.
“Jazz in the Park” concerts held in Fenerbahçe Park, free of charge and the “Night Out” performances held in various venues in Kadıköy Moda will again bring music to different parts of the city. Details about all events can be found on the festival website (caz.iksv.org/en).
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to virtuoso musicians Özdemir Erdoğan and Ergüven Başaran.
Özdemir Erdoğan began his encounters with jazz music in 1960 thanks to the encouragement and advice of Eray Turgay, bass guitarist and member of the TRT Jazz Orchestra, and he became acquainted with prominent figures of jazz scene such as Arif Mardin, İsmet Sıral, Emin Fındıkoğlu, Süheyl Denizci, Nejat Cendeli and Erol Pekcan. From 1962-1964 he received training in classical guitar from world-renowned guitar instructors, and later joined the İsmet Sıral Orchestra, developing his career in Nordic countries and particularly Sweden, where he gained the opportunity to meet and work with jazz musicians from around the world. After the İsmet Sıral Orchestra disbanded in 1968, Erdoğan founded his first professional orchestra, formed mainly of former colleagues from this orchestra, including Günnur Perin, Ayhan Yünkuş, Atakan Ünüvar, Fatih Erkoç, Uğur Dikmen and Onno Tunç. In 1974 he became involved in Turkish music, Turkish folk music and other styles of ethnic music, and in 1975 he began composing his own works. As well as receiving many awards for his work, Erdoğan has performed in various festivals around the world, given conferences and participated in numerous panels. Erdoğan has been composing music and singing for 46 years, and in 1998 was awarded the title ‘National Artist of the Republic of Turkey’. Erdoğan entertained generations of music lovers with songs such as ‘Sevdim Seni Bir Kere’, ‘İkinci Bahar’, ‘Baharda Kuşlar Gibi’, ‘Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı’, ‘Paranın Ne Önemi Var’ and ‘Keman Öğretmeni’. In 2014 he released Türkiye Caz Tarihinde Işıksız Kalanlar (Pieces from Turkish Jazz History That Remained in the Dark), an album that deserves a place in any music archive.
Ergüven Başaran began his adventures in music with training in the clarinet from Tevfik Çelen and Salih Durutaş; he then received alto saxophone training from Celal Bozsay, followed by harmony lessons from Şerif Yüzbaşıoğlu. In 1963 he began playing in the Kadri Ünalan orchestra, after which he joined the orchestras of Çetin İnöntepe, Selim Özer, Aydemir Mete, Mete Duruman, Ritim73 and Süheyl Denizci. In 1974 he had planned to go to Europe with Emin Fındıkoğlu but had a last minute change of heart and instead took the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality exam to join the City Orchestra. Participants in the exam were competing for only one position in the orchestra, and Başaran received full points from the jury to receive first place. Having played for many years in the Eurovision Orchestra founded by TRT, in 1975 Başaran began playing with the TRT Radio and Jazz Orchestra under Ümit Aksu. In 1976 he was a member of the 69-piece orchestra that performed at the First International Music Festival. In 1982 he began to play with the TRT Istanbul Jazz Orchestra, founded by Süheyl Denizci, where he remained until 2002. In 1993 he played in the Turkey-Poland mixed jazz orchestra together with prominent musicians such as İmer Demirer and Neşet Ruacan. Başaran played in the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra as a guest musician from 1980-1999, and was also the founder of Istanbul Saxophone Quartet, the first group of its kind in Turkey. He has performed in various Istanbul Jazz Festival events with the Istanbul Saxophone Quartet and with his latest project Swing UNLTD. During his musical career he has played at the concerts of many Turkish pop divas, including Ajda Pekkan, Nilüfer, Nil Burak and Nazan Şoray.
23rd ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Africa Express presents… current and former members of The Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music with Damon Albarn and guests
Monday 27 June, 21:30, Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
Within the Africa Express project, which also involved producers such as Lil’ Silva, Brian Eno and Ghostpoet, Damon Albarn has carried out a unique collaboration with The Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music, formed of conductor Issam Rafea and other musicians who were forced to flee their country. Damon Albarn had formerly collaborated with the orchestra on the cult Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach. Through this concert, Damon Albarn and other surprise guests offer a mark of respect to the culture and music of Syria. Performing a limited number of concerts and coming to Istanbul after appearing at the Holland Festival, the Royal Festival Hall and Glastonbury, this special project is presented by Africa Express as a joint commission of 14-18 NOW and the Holland Festival. The Istanbul Jazz Festival concert is being organised in collaboration with the Istanbul Music Festival.
Nile Rodgers, king of disco and funk, will offer a night of hit music with his group Chic
Tuesday 28 June, 20:00, KüçükÇiftlik Park
The king of disco and funk, the face of the Fender Stratocaster, and the composer of almost a third of our best loved hits, from the songs of Madonna to Bowie, Nile Rodgers is preparing to give his first concert in Turkey together with his group Chic. Rodgers has played a huge role in the careers of many stars, including David Bowie, Duran Duran, Madonna, INXS, Diana Ross, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, having produced their albums and created unforgettable disco and funk riffs.
The support act at the concert will be US-New Zealand psychedelic pop-indie rock group Unknown Mortal Orchestra. One of the standout groups of the 2010s, Unknown Mortal Orchestra will perform their melodic songs that range from lo-fi to psychedelic pop. Fronted by Ruban Nielson, the group played in Istanbul for the first time last November at a sell-out show in Salon İKSV.
Festival awards ceremony
Monday 11, 21:00, Austrian Cultural Office Garden
During the awards ceremony, the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Özdemir Erdoğan and Ergüven Başaran. Following the ceremony, Ergüven Başaran will take to the stage with his swing group Swing UNLTD. The event will be topped off with a performance by sought-after group of the New York swing scene The Hot Sardines.
A musical journey from past to future: An Evening of Jazz with Özdemir Erdoğan
Tuesday 12 July, 21:00, Istanbul High School Garden
One of the most industrious figures in Turkish popular music and Jazz, and recipient of this year’s Lifelong Achievement Award, Özdemir Erdoğan will offer jazz lovers an evening of nostalgia, performing classics such as “İkinci Bahar” and “Sevdim Seni Bir Kere”, as well as a retrospective of his jazz works, including his latest album Türkiye Jazz Tarihinde Işıksız Kalanlar (Pieces from Turkish Jazz History That Remained in the Dark).
Ground-breaking marvel of contemporary jazz Kamasi Washington and downtempo duo Ibeyi share the same stage
Thursday 14 July, 20:45, Beykoz Kundura
This year’s festival hosts Kamasi Washington, the new master of the saxophone and modern jazz. Kamasi Washington featured as guest saxophonist on the 2015 albums of Thundercat and Kendrick Lamar, artists in the top 11 of Flying Lotus record label Brainfeeder. One of the foremost representatives of contemporary jazz, Kamasi Washington will perform at the Beykoz Kundura (the former shoe factory), which is being used as a festival venue for the first time this year. The concert’s support act will be XL Recording’s new star of the music world, the soul, downtempo project of French-Cuban twins, Ibeyi.
A concert of French jazz vibes and the unforgettable world of Nat King Cole: French Quarter and Hugh Coltman
Friday 15 July, 20:30, Uniq Open-Air Theatre
This evening at the Uniq Open-Air Theatre will witness a one-of-a-kind special project, French Quarter, featuring Airelle Besson on trumpet, Emile Parisien on saxophone, Vincent Peirani on accordion, Thomas Encho on piano, Thomas Brameris on double bass and Anne Paceo on drums, revealing the best bits of contemprary French jazz to festival-goers. After the performance of this all-star band who have been brought together especially for this year’s festival, Hugh Coltman will take to the stage with his vocal style reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake, performing songs from his “Shadows” album, an homage to the inner world of Nat King Cole.
“A Childlike Day” at the festival with Oran Etkin Tımbalooloo and Music for Peace Brass Band
Saturday 16 July, 15:00, Bomontiada
This year the festival programme features a children’s event for the first time. “A Childlike Day” will feature performances by Oran Etkin Timbalooloo and the Music for Peace Brass Band, while also giving children the chance to discover their musical talents and take part in fun workshops.
“Jazz at Parks”
Sunday 17 July, 17:00-23:30, Fenerbahçe Park and Fenerbahçe Khalkedon
After its successful introduction last year, the Istanbul Jazz Festival is once again holding the free “Jazz at Parks” event in Fenerbahçe Park and Fenerbahçe Khalkedon on Istanbul’s Asian side. Full details of the event, which will see performances by finalists of the “Young Jazz” competition, can be found on caz.iksv.org/en.
A star-studded evening: Ernest Ranglin & Friends // The Budos Band
Wednesday 20 July, 20:00, KüçükÇiftlik Park
Living Jamaican legend, founding father of reggae, and creator of energetic ska melodies, Ernest Ranglin will present an upbeat concert with his legendary group formed of Tony Allen, Courtney Pine, Cheikh Lo, Alex Wilson and Ira Coleman. Support comes from The Budos Band, who will take to the stage to perform their afrobeat and funk melodies.
“Night Out” concerts
Thursday 21 July, 18:00-03:00, Kadıköy, Moda
The “Night Out” event, which took place last year in various venues in Kadıköy, offers an even fuller programme in its second year. The event will feature concerts by musicians and groups including Elif Çağlar, DANdadaDAN, Son Feci Bisiklet, Plaistow, Hey Douglas, and Önder Focan & Şallıel Bros. Full programme details can be found on caz.iksv.org.
A soulful evenibg with Laura Mvula and Jacob Collier
Friday 22 July, 20:30, Embassy of Germany Tarabya Summer Residence
British singer-songwriter Laura Mvula, a musician who has already achieved great success in her short musical career and whose songs get regular airplay, will perform together with Jacob Collier, heralded by The Guardian as “jazz music’s new messiah”, in the historical garden of the Embassy of Germany Tarabya Summer Residence.
Joss Stone, the incredible voice of British music, returns to Turkey
Saturday 23 July, 19:00, KüçükÇiftlik Park
One of the strongest voices to come out of the British music scene, Joss Stone returns to Istanbul for the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival. Hailed as the Aretha Franklin of the 2000s, the singer-songwriter started out on her musical career at just 17, since when she has received numerous Mercury, BRIT and Grammy awards and nominations and recorded seven albums. One of the most successful women under 30 in Britain, Joss Stone set out on an adventure in reggae with her 2015 album Water for Your Soul. This year she returns to Istanbul where she will delight festivalgoers with catchy songs both old and new, lively and romantic.
Taking to the stage to give a lively performance as the support act will be Vintage Trouble, an eccentric blues group formed in 2010 who gained wider recognition thanks to their incredible performance on Later… With Jools Holland.
Grammy-winning Gregory Porter and Roberta Gambarini play with the TRT Popular Music and Jazz Orchestra
Monday 25 July, 21:00, Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
American jazz vocalist and winner of the 2014 Grammy Award for “Best Jazz Album”, Gregory Porter will take to the stage with impressive jazz vocalist Roberta Gambarini, where they will perform alongside the TRT Popular Music and Jazz Orchestra, led by Kamil Özler and formed of masters of the Turkish music scene in a very special performance for festival-goers. Later in the evening Gregory Porter will also perform songs from his latest album.
Time for jazz at Zorlu PSM
Cyrus Chestnut / Buster Williams / Lenny White
Monday 18 July, 19:30, Zorlu PSM Drama Theatre
Cyrus Chestnut who touches the soul of the piano, acoustic bassist Buster Williams who has created his own musical technique and worked with legends such as Miles Davis and Herbie Mann, and self-taught fusion drummer Lenny White who featured on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew album, will share the stage to show off their talents.
Branford Marsalis Quartet and guest Kurt Elling
Monday 18 July, 21:30, Zorlu PSM Main Theatre
Saxophone virtuoso Branford Marsalis and his quartet will take to the stage together with US jazz vocalist and composer Kurt Elling, who has received a Grammy nomination for almost all of his albums.
Antonio Sanchez and Migration
Tuesday 19 July, 19:00, Zorlu PSM Drama Theatre
Mexican jazz drummer and creator of the soundtrack to the film Birdman, Antonio Sanchez will share songs from his first solo album Migration, after having performed with artists such as Chick Corea and John Patitucci.
Scofield Mehldau Guiliana
Tuesday 19 July, 21:00, Zorlu PSM Main Theatre
Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau will take to the stage together with drummer Mark Guiliana, who has worked with musicians such as Phronesis, Dhafer Youssef and Gretchen Parlato, and who most recently played percussion on David Bowie’s Blackstar album, and John Scofield, one of the greatest sources of inspiration for jazz guitarists, in a concert that promises to be one of the most exciting live performances of jazz improvisation.
European Jazz Club sessions at Salon
European Jazz Club, the event that brings top names from the Turkish jazz scene together with European virtuosos, will take place once again this year at Salon İKSV.
Volkan Topakoğlu feat. Matthias Konrad, Wednesday 13 July, 21:30
Jazz bassist and composer Volkan Topakoğlu began his adventures in music playing the guitar and then went on to study piano and cello. Dutch trombonist Matthias Konrad has gained worldwide renown and has performed with ensembles such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Holland Big Band. These two successful musicians will take to stage together as part of the festival programme.
Ercüment Orkut “Low Profile” feat. Marius Neset, Thursday 14 July, 21:30
Ercüment Orkut began his jazz training with Aydın Esen and has received many awards for his compositions and performances. Performing together with Orkut will be Marius Neset, one of the top saxophonists and composers of Nordic jazz. Neset worked for many years with renowned British pianist Django Bates, and is often compared to legendary Norwegian jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek.
Big Beats Big Times / Full Moon Theory Live, Friday 15 July, 22:00
Big Beats Big Times is known for its series of improvisational concerts in which Berke Can Özcan brought together drummers from around the world. After releasing a studio album entitled Full Moon Theory, the group – formed of Erland Dahlen on drums and percussion, Gunnar Halle on trumpet, Berke Can Özcan on drums, Burak Irmak on synth and Rhodes, Feryin Kaya on bass, and Can Güngör on guitar, synth and percussion – will come together to give their first live performance of songs from the album.
Çağıl Kaya Band feat. Airelle Besson, Saturday 16 July, 21:30
Çağıl Kaya, a musician who further developed her natural talent through studies in musicology, includes theatrical elements and surprising vocal improvisations during her concerts. Kaya’s repertoire features the songs of groups and musicians such as Duman, Mor ve Ötesi and Sevinç Tevs as well as her own compositions, and her Istanbul Jazz Festival concert will bring her together on stage with French musician Airelle Besson. Beginning her musical career with the violin before learning to play the trumpet, Besson has worked with musicians such as Hugh Coltman, Riccardo Del Fra and Metronomy, and in 2015 she received the Django Reinhardt award for best French jazz musician.
Bulut Gülen Quintet feat. Yuri Honing, Wednesday 20 July, 21:30
At previous editions of the Istanbul Jazz Festival Bulut Gülen has shared a stage with Dianna Reeves and Kurt Elling as part of the Istanbul Superband conducted by Aycan Teztel. Together with the Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra Gülen has played in concerts with top musicians such as McCoy, Tyner Benny Golson and Steve Smith, and in this year’s festival concert he will join Dutch saxophonist Yuri Honing. One of the leading musicians of the world of jazz, Honing has performed with musicians such as Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ibrahim Maalouf, Craig Taborn and Paul Bley, and has been awarded the Boy Edgar Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of jazz in the Netherlands.
Eylem Pelit Band, Friday 22 July, 21:30
Eylem Pelit has performed at many events, including the Istanbul Jazz Festival, the Akbank Jazz Festival and the Şimdi Stuttgart Jazz Festival. A talented bass guitarist and music arranger, Pelit has contributed to the albums of musicians such as Sarp Maden, Ayhan Sicimoğlu and Şenay Lambaoğlu. After having released an album entitled Yedi Uyuyanlar in 2015, Pelit will play for jazz lovers at this year’s festival.
FESTIVAL MAGAZINE
In June, the Festival Magazine will be released, featuring detailed content about the festival programme alongside opinion pieces and articles by musicians and writers from Turkey. Playlists including songs from the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival’s artists can be found at play.spotify.com/user/istanbulkultursanatvakfi
SPONSORS OF THE 23RD ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL
The 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival is organised with the support of the Festival Sponsor Garanti Bank as well as a number of different organisations. The festival’s performance sponsors include Akasya Acıbadem, Vodafone FreeZone, Matraş and DHL.
Automotive Sponsorship for the festival is provided by Volvo Car Türkiye, Coca-Cola, Türk Tuborg and Mastercard also offer their support to the festival.
Various concerts within the festival are organised with the contribution of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Austrian Cultural Office, Institute Français, Consulate General of the Netherlands, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
The 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival also receives support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Beyoğlu Municipality and Kadıköy Municipality.
The Leading Sponsor of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts is Eczacıbaşı Holding, Official Communication Sponsor is Vodafone Turkey, Official Carrier is DHL, Official Hotel Sponsor The Marmara Collection, Insurance Sponsor is Zurich Insurance, Health Sponsor is Memorial Health Group, and Service Sponsors are GFK, directComm Marketing Group and AGC.
The publicity campaign for the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival was developed by Alametifarika.
FESTIVAL TICKETS
Tickets for the 23rd Istanbul Jazz Festival go on sale on Saturday 16 April at 10:00 and are available from Biletix sales points, and also from the İKSV main box office (every day from 10:00-18:00 except Sundays) where there is no service charge. As well as full-priced tickets, discounted tickets for students are available for all concerts.
Tulip Cardholders receive special discounts of up to 25% on tickets. Pre-sales for Black and White Tulip Cardholders will be from 11-12 April, and for Red and Yellow Tulip Cardholders from 13-15 April.
FOLLOW THE FESTIVAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow the Istanbul Jazz Festival social media accounts for full details on the festival, as well as video presentations about the musicians and instant updates regarding events.
facebook.com/istanbulcazfestivali
instagram.com/istanbulcazfestivali
#istcazfest16
The festival programme can be found on the official festival website, caz.iksv.org/en and also via the İKSV Mobil app. Developed with the contribution of İKSV’s Official Communication Sponsor Vodafone, the İKSV Mobil app can be downloaded from the AppStore or from Google Play. As well as İKSV Mobil, the İKSV Kitaplık app offers easy access to the Istanbul Jazz Festival brochure and the Istanbul Jazz Festival Magazine, which will be published in June.
