Islandman from Istanbul
This is not the first time that the Istanbul electro-acoustic trio Islandman has come into our focus. The reason today is their third album Godless Ceremony, released in September on the Danish label Music For Dreamers. The trio of multi-instrumentalist Tolga Böyük, formed in Istanbul, has been present on the European electronic and jazz music scene for years. In 2018, they won the audience award at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and you can listen to the life here. Montreux Jazz Talent Awards - Islandman.
Last year, Islandman opened an evening dedicated to Turkish psychedelics as part of the London Jazz Festival, which we attended virtually. EFG London Jazz Fest.
The musicians desire to create new music, composed of authentic melodies from different parts of the globe with an emphasis on Turkish music, Africa and India, presented in a modern way, could not fail to attract our attention. On the other hand, this typical Istanbul global sound, this kaleidoscope, which is present in the food, sounds, smell and rhythm of the city, is immediately noticeable.
The release of the most recent album gave a clearer idea of the latest searches of the musicians and the new ideas they present. A trip around the globe, which we could never call boring. And their characteristic acoustic guitar sound always makes them easily recognizable. Here complemented by a lot of percussion, Indian tablas and Tibetan flutes.
Today, we enjoy traveling near and far with the music of Islandman, which you will find on digital platforms.
October 2021
Image© MA
