Alanya, which has become one of the most important culture and art cities of Turkey with the cultural and artistic events it has organised in recent years, will host International Jazz Days for 4 days. In the event organised by Alanya Municipality, the most important jazz artists of the world will meet art lovers in Alanya.
Alanya International Jazz Days, organised by Alanya Municipality, with the contributions of Summer Garden, ALTID, ALTAV and the media sponsorship of Dream Türk and Radyo D, celebrates its 18th anniversary. Having hosted many artists from Turkey and abroad so far, Alanya International Jazz Days will meet with art lovers again this year with a full programme.
The 18th Alanya International Jazz Days, which will take place under the lights of Alanya Castle in the historical Kızılkule Square between 21-24 September 2023, will host world jazz stars this year as every year. Alanya Jazz Days, which takes its place in the list of the first festivals that come to mind when it comes to jazz in Turkey, will host music lovers with its magnificent atmosphere for 4 days with magnificent concerts.
THE FIRST DAY WILL BE A MUSIC FEAST
18th Alanya International Jazz Days will start with Daniela Simmons & Atilla Şereftuğ But Jazz Band on 21 September Thursday at 20:30. After the performance of the group consisting of world famous names such as Francis Coletta and Arnaud Francelet, Elif Sanchez, who has made our country proud with many awards, will meet with jazz lovers at 22.00.
Daniela Simmons: Not just an Italian jazz and pop vocalist, but a musician whose voice above all carries the compositions and excels in their interpretation. Through a clever blend of musical styles influenced by pop, R&B, jazz and instrumentals, both ends combine softness and power.
Atilla Şereftuğ Istanbul-born jazz pianist Atilla Şereftuğ is widely recognised as an internationally renowned composer. He was the first to recognise and discover Celine Dion. In the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, he won 1st place as the composer of the song “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” sung by Celine Dion. The song became an international success and a springboard for both Celine’s and Atilla’s career as a producer.
1986 was his first attempt at the Eurovision Song Contest, where his entry “Pas pour moi”, performed by Daniela Simmons, came 2nd. Atilla Şereftuğ’s career started very early, he was a professional pianist and arranger at the age of 13. After completing his studies at the Istanbul Conservatory, he entered the jazz scene with various orchestral groups. He came to Europe in the 1970s and collaborated with many artists from the world of Pop, French and German music as a producer, composer and arranger. Atilla Şereftuğ produced and organised. He is one of the most talented and brilliant pianists and producers of the jazz scene.
Francis Coletta Born on 28 October 1957 in Marseille, he studied classical guitar from the beginning and later played in different classical, jazz and pop music orchestras. Francis Coletta played with Michel Legrand, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Paul Anka, Tomm Scott, Joe Sample, Alex Acuna, Randy Brecker, Niels-Henning Orsted-Pedersen, Joe di Francesco, Alvin Queen, Reggie Johnson, among others. He also accompanied many French pop singers on tour, for example Michel Berger and Michel Fugain. German musicians also benefited from his artistry when he played in groups such as Pepe Lienhard Band, Udo Jürgens, Catarina Valente.
Arnaud Francelet: He has done various studio productions with international artists. He regularly performs in Switzerland and has toured all over Europe, USA and also in Asia such as Japan, China, India and many other places. Arnaud participates in various musicals and has made several appearances with famous musicians such as John di Martino, Juan Munguia, Daniel Woodtli and many more.
Elif Sanchez Until the age of 10, Elif Sanchez received music education from her family and graduated from Istanbul State Conservatory with an outstanding achievement award. Coming from a family of musicians and blending Turkish Folk Music and jazz education with her musical style, she gains the appreciation of the audience with her unique interpretation from Anatolian and Azerbaijani geography to Spanish songs. In 2015, he was invited as a guest artist to the “Refuge of Sound” project by world-renowned composer, guitarist and producer Javier Limon with his band “Mediant Collective”. Elif Sanchez, who graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2017 with the Bill Pierce Award and the Mediterranean Music Institute Award, gave many concerts at Drom NYC, Rockwood Music Hall and The Well Brooklyn.
Following her first album, which she released under her own name in 2021 and presented a wide repertoire ranging from Anatolia to Azerbaijan, Elif Sanchez included 7 original Javier Limon songs, 2 Spanish covers, “Dos Gardenias” and “Perfidia”, “Vuelve (Bulşun Adres Sormaz Ki)”, which she sang as a duet with Kenan Doğulu, and Amanecer (Gel Ey Seher), which she sang in Spanish.
The artist, who recorded the famous bolero song ‘Tres Palabras’ with Paul Sanchez, performed the song ‘A Donde Te Has Ido’ in Javier Limon’s last album ‘Viajeras’.
THE STARS OF JAZZ MEET IN ALANYA ON THE SECOND DAY
Alafsar Rahimov – Balaban Meets Jazz Special Guest Elnur Huseynov will meet with the people of Alanya on Friday 22 September at 20.30. On the same night at 22:00, Acantha Lang will take the stage.
Alafsar Rahimov: Born in Azerbaijan, he started playing balaban at the age of 10 and started his music career. He is known as the grandson of Elefser Şekili, one of the important zurna masters of Azerbaijan. After taking lessons from Eyyub Mammadov, he joined the Azerbaijan State Conservatory in 2005. Rahimov has participated in concerts and festivals in countries such as America, Germany, China, Switzerland, Norway, France, Italy, Tunisia, Georgia and Korea. In 2011, he performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
In 2013, he won a certificate and diploma with his performance at the Royal World Drums Festival in Malaysia. Between 2007 and 2015 he was a member of rhythm master Natig Shirinov’s band. One of his own compositions was performed at the Eurovision opening ceremony in 2012. In 2023, he released the album “Sexy Caffards” together with Etibar Asadli. He created a modern soundscapes by blending jazz, soul and electronic motifs. The album also featured artists such as Kidbekid, Martin Wangermee, Kevin Lazakis, Harini Iyer and Natasha Brown.
Elnur Huseynov: With his extraordinary talent, effortlessly boundary-crossing voice and stage presence, Elnur Huseynov is an artist who has established himself in the contemporary Azerbaijani music scene.
His performances are characterised by strong emotions, soul-stirring presentations and unwavering devotion to his art. Throughout his career, Elnur has earned well-deserved recognition and praise for his talent.
He represented Azerbaijan twice at the Eurovision Song Contest. Winner of “O Ses Turkey” in Turkey, Elnur’s performances have received great applause and admiration from thousands of viewers in Turkey and Europe. Beyond his musical endeavours, Elnur is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. He is actively involved in various humanitarian efforts and charitable initiatives, using his career to inspire positive change through the unifying power of music.
Acantha Lang: Born in New Orleans, American Soul artist Acantha Lang decided to continue his career in London some time ago. As soon as she arrived in London, she made a name for herself with her live shows and performances paying homage to Soul music legends. At the same time she started writing songs for Grammy nominated Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Her debut EP Sugar woman was selected for The New Artist of the Year Award for the 2021 Soul Tracks Readers’ Choice Awards. Released on 30 June, her album Beautiful Dreams was featured on the cover of the iconic Blues and Souls magazine. In the summer of 2023, she has been performing at major European jazz festivals, including La Grapa Black Music Festival.
CEM TUNCER QUINTET WILL OPEN THE THIRD DAY
On the third day of the 18th Alanya International Jazz Days, Cem Tuncer Quintet will perform on Saturday 23 September. At 22.00, Denise Kıng – Alain Jean Marie Quartet will take the stage.
Cem Tuncer Quintet: M. Cem Tuncer was born in 1978. In 1997, he studied Guitar with Sarp Maden and Gökçen Taşkıran, Music Theory with Semih Korucu and Mehmet Nemutlu, Ensemble with Bülent Ortaçgil and Önder Focan at the Academy Istanbul Jazz Department. In 1998, he enrolled in Istanbul Bilgi University Music Department with a scholarship. During his undergraduate studies, he worked with esteemed musicians such as Neşet Ruacan, Kamil Özler, Ali Perret, L.Butch Morris, Can Kozlu, Aydın Esen, İmer Demirer, Ricky Ford, Selen Gülün, Mike Wilkens, Jeff Mcaulley and Ayşe Özbekligil.
He participated in Sfinks Music Festival (Belgium) and Amsterdam Music Festival (Netherlands) in 1999; Hildesheim Music Festival (Germany) in 2000; Gent Music Festival and Brussels Ethnic Music Festival (Belgium) in 2002. She also gave concerts abroad in many cities such as Zurich, Basel, Stuttgart, Cologne, Berlin, Hanoover, Amsterdam. In the same year, he gave duo concerts with Ricky Ford Istanbul Jazz Collective and Önder Focan at Istanbul Babylon. He also worked as an Assistant Arranger in Önder Focan’s Purple in Blue project.
Denise King: Denise King is an American singer. She found her place in jazz as a natural singer by finding her own way without any connection to anywhere.
Under the influence of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, but with her own style, she mixed jazz with blues and soul music and became a true diva.
A personality in his own right, the singer has gone down in the history of jazz with his positive energy on stage and his understanding of swing, and has become one of the rare musicians who performs the songs by living the songs by using the language of jazz without artificiality.
He has participated in festivals and concerts in all European countries as well as in far eastern countries such as Japan.
Alain Jean-Marie: Born on the island of Guadeloupe, the pianist took his first step into the world of jazz in Canada. Later he settled in Paris for good. He played for famous musicians such as Clark Terry, Max Roach, Harry Edison, Bill Coleman.
Alain Jean-Marie is one of the legendary names of French jazz, having played with many names in the history of jazz until today. Since he is one of the most sought-after musicians, pages are not enough to describe his musical life.
CLOSING WITH TRT ISTANBUL RADIO LIGHT MUSIC AND JAZZ ORCHESTRA AND SİBEL KÖSE
Historical Kızılkule will host the closing day with TRT Istanbul Radio Light Music and Jazz Orchestra and Sibel Köse on Sunday 24 September.
TRT Istanbul Radio Light Music and Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1982 with the gathering of successful and distinguished musicians of our country. The orchestra, which was the first and only example of its kind in the years it was founded, continues to work for jazz music to reach and spread to a wider audience. The TRT Light Music and Jazz Orchestra, which successfully presents national and universal music samples to music lovers, has the distinction of having an original jazz repertoire while maintaining its Big Band structure.
TRT Big Band successfully represents the TRT Corporation and our country in national and international cultural and artistic events in addition to radio and television programmes. The orchestra continued to work with conductor Süheyl Denizci until 1998, conductor Neşet Ruacan until 2011 and conductor Kamil Özler until September 2018.
TRT Light Music and Jazz Orchestra continues to work with their conductor Cem Tuncer and producer Murat Aydoğdu.
Sibel Köse: One of Turkey’s leading jazz singers. Born and educated in Ankara, the vocalist started singing professionally when she was a student at METU Faculty of Architecture. While gaining experience by working with jazz masters, she also participated in international seminars, summer schools and festivals. Standing out with her rich and in-depth interpretations and natural improvisation skills, she participated in the International Jazz Vocalists Competition in Zamosc (Poland) in 1992 and won the First Prize.
Sibel Köse regularly performs with leading jazz musicians, appears on albums, participates in festivals, radio and TV programmes. She takes part in various projects and groups in Turkey and abroad, ranging from duos to large orchestras, as a soloist, and regularly participates in important festivals and art events. She has sung in more than 20 countries.
18TH ALANYA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAYS ARTIST LIST
21.09.2023 THURSDAY 20.30
DANIELA SIMMONS & ATİLLA ŞEREFTUĞ But JAZZ
1. DANIELA SIMMONS – VOCAL
2. ATİLLA ŞEREFTĞ – PIANO
3. FRANCIS COLETTA – GUITAR
4. ARNAUD FRANCELET – DOUBLE BASS
5. FRED BINTNER – DRUMS
21.09.2023 THURSDAY 22.00
ELIF SANCHEZ
1. ELIF SANCHEZ – VOCAL
2. PAUL SANCHEZ – TRUMPET, PERCUSSION
3. DORUK OKUYUCU – GUITAR
4. BUĞRA KILIÇAK – BASS
5. MERTCAN BILGIN – DRUMS
FRIDAY 22.09.2023 20.30
ALAFSAR RAHIMOV – BALABAN MEETS JAZZ SPECIAL GUEST ELNUR HUSEYNOV
1. ALAFSAR RAHIMOV – BALABAN, ZURNA, TUTEK (BALABAN, CLARION, TUTEK)
2. KAAN BIYIKOĞLU – PIANO
3. ENVER MUHAMEDI – BASS
4. BURAK DURMAN – DRUMS
FRIDAY 22.09.2023 22.00
ACANTHA LANG
1. ACANTHA LANG – VOCAL
2. MICHEAL WILLIAM CONNOLLY – DRUMS
3. KERİM MARTIN GUNES – BASS
4. EMLYN JONATHAN FRANSIS – GUITAR
5. ANDREW ROBERT NOBLE – KEYBOARD
6. CHRISTOPHER JAMES RAND – SAXOPHONE
SATURDAY 23.09.2023 20.30
CEM TUNCER QUINTET
1. CEM TUNCER – GUITAR
2. ENGİN RECEPOĞULLARI – TENOR SAXOPHONE
3. BARIS DOĞUKAN YAZICI – TRUMPET
4. ALPER YILMAZ – BASS GUITAR
5. FERİT ODMAN – DRUMS
SATURDAY 23.09.2023 22.00
DENISE KING – ALAIN JEAN MARIE QUARTET
1. DENIS KING – VOCAL
2. ALAIN JEAN MARIE – PIANO
3. OZAN MUSLUOĞLU – DOUBLE BASS
4. FERİT ODMAN – DRUMS
24.09.2023 SUNDAY 20.30
TRT LIGHT MUSIC AND JAZZ ORCHESTRA & SİBEL KÖSE
1. SİBEL KÖSE – VOCAL
2. SERKAN ÖZYILMAZ – PIANO
3. MERİÇ DEMİRKOL – ALTO SAXOPHONE
4. SERDAR BARÇIN – ALTO SAXOPHONE
5. ENGİN RECEPOĞULLARI – TENOR SAXOPHONE
6. ÇAĞDAŞ ORUÇ – TENOR SAXOPHONE
7. BARIS ÖZER – BARITONE SAXOPHONE
8. HAKAN ÇİMENOT – TROMBONE
9. ALİ EMRE KAYHAN- TROMBONE
10. KÜRŞAT SEKBAN – TROMBONE
11. HÜSEYİN ÇAKIR – TROMBONE
12. HALİL İBRAHİM IŞIK – TRUMPET
13. UTKU AKYOL – TRUMPET
14. SERKAN KERPICCILER – TRUMPET
15. CAN ÇANKAYA – TRUMPET – (TRUMPET)
16. BARIS DOĞUKAN YAZICI – TRUMPET
17. CEM TUNCER – CHEFF, GUITAR
18. OZAN MUSLUOĞLU – DOUBLE BASS
19. FERİT ODMAN – DRUMS
