Search - Fahir Atakoglu :: Istanbul In Blue

Unique Grooves and melodies!!! so good..

John Manfield | New York | 04/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to Istanbul In Blue by Fahir Atakoglu, his compositions and grooves are very unique and you can hear everyone in the band really feeling the music throughout the album. Fahir's piano playing is so much integrated with his odd tempo compositions; especially the track Black Sea is a very good example. The melody of Four Corners is so deep and so naive at the same time. You don't have to have the technique of Michelle Camilo or Herbie Hancock to touch the hearts of listeners. This track and many others in Istanbul In Blue touch parts in listener's hearts that I as a jazz listener of 35 years have not experienced. Its because his melodies, grooves are really from another part of the world (Turkey) yes but so universal as well.They are almost refreshing:-) Same in his other one "IF", with Fahir's music you can immediately drawn into a 5/8 or a 7/8 or 10/8 groove as easily to a 4/4, because of his melodies. His improvisations are very much within the composition and in complete sync with overall dynamics of the band; Mike Stern, Anthony Jackson, Wayne Krantz, Bob Franceschini, And Horacio Hernandez play incredible. Fahir, for me, doesn't play the usual runs we are used to hear from a piano player; when he does his solos he has his own interpretation of his own melodies. It's his own color, style; and its admirable...its almost what Monk did to you when you heard him the first time.;Fahir's music and his playing grows in you.

That is why anyone who wants to listen to not only a good band playing solid fusion compositions of East and West ,but also a very unique composer and pianist too , buy this album , listen and you will agree..."

The great Istanbul In Blue

Adalberto J. Sanchez | 07/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In Istanbul In Blue Fahir Atakoglu he found great misucians,that's why this record is so good.Every single song is well arranged and very well interpreted.I can't wait for more from Mr.Atakoglu."

The title speaks volumes

Sharlene Moreton | NJ | 11/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Istanbul in Blue is essentially what you may consider "fusion standards." The groove is derived from latin and middle eastern melodies combined with funky rythms. Excellent solo work, and great instrument interplay makes this album a great find. My only quarrel (a small one) is with the relatively mediocre ideas from the sax player, but he's a solid soloist so it can definately be overlooked."