CD Review: Trio Mrio's Self-Titled Release

Trio Mrio
Trio Mrio
Kalan

The Turkish jazz and rock stylings of Turkey's great guitarist, Sarp Maden, along with Volkan Oktem on drums and Chaglayan Yildiz on bass, create a masterful release of epic tunes that span the gamut of avant-garde, experimental, and fusion. The guitar work is exemplary, as it contains simple, fluid grooves, but rock interludes that are quite remarkable, as well. The meandering sounds of the instruments are inspiring, enthralling, and entrancing. The musical vivacity of the instruments and jazzy leanings makes Trio Mrio shine beyond belief. Anyone with a knack for experimental, jazz, guitar, and instrumental grooves from a Turkish source, then look no further.

CD Review: Sarp Maden's 'Ardindan'

Sarp Maden
Ardindan
Kalan

Sarp Maden's exciting 2010 Turkish jazz release explores a little vocal prowess on "Tazecik," while the remaining songs are completely instrumental. The musical tone is upbeat jazz with keyboard, trumpet, fretless bass, fiddle, and guitar accompaniment throughout. The nine songs traverse the world of ethnic jazz, experimental, avant-garde, and fusion. The music is slightly more complex and varied than the more recent release, Durgun Sular. In a related manner, the music is more rock-driven on a few tracks with frenzied guitar stylings and fast playing, but it is not out of the ordinary for world jazz. Anyone with an interest in world jazz, Turkish jazz, or instrumental music will be very happy with Sarp Maden's Ardindan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarp Maden's 'Durgun Sular'

Sarp Maden
Durgun Sular
Kalan

Hailing from Turkey, Sarp Maden performs jazzy, ambient, lounge music with an easy-listening backbone that is not afraid to upset the jazz world with a fine, innovative work of art. The wholly instrumental album contains sparkling guitar tones, floating sax lines, and light percussion all performed with accurate precision. Sarp Maden plays guitar, while his band mates, Derin Bayhan on drums, Matt Hall on contrabass, and Engin Recepogullan on tenor sax round out the musical experience. Kalan Records is known for producing high-quality recordings and Durgun Sular is no exception. The album title, which means "still waters," is sure to cause a ripple or two throughout the musical community for using meditative jazz sounds and inventive compositions with a global appeal. If you are seeking traditional Turkish music, then you will be disappointed. If you are a jazz fan, you will be rewarded with the sounds of Durgun Sular. ~ Matthew Forss