Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
North Sea Jazz Festival’s Frank Bolder and Smithsonian Folkways’ Huib Schippers admire The Blue Mosque ceiling during a tour that was part of the 2019 Vitrin Contemporary Turkish Music Showcase in Istanbul.
(Photo: Poyraz Tütüncü)
Baris Demirel’s Barıştık Mı project after a performance along the Bosphorus Strait.
(Photo: Emre Durmuş)When it comes to what exactly makes a country’s improvised music appealing, delegates have a range of views on the value of native folk inflections.
“At a couple of showcases, I’ve seen young cats trying to to copy their American heroes,” Bolder said. “They all want to sound like Keith Jarrett or Joshua Redman, but they come from a different background. For me, it becomes more interesting if they fuse the music that they like so much with their own folk roots. Then it becomes something special, a new kind of music.”
Schultze noted the precedent of Dave Brubeck’s jazz hit “Blue Rondo A La Turk,” which was richly inspired by Turkish time signatures, but argues it’s best to avoid essentializing Turkish or any other musicians into the keepers of their folk traditions. “Any fusion of native and other musical traditions has to happen organically,” he said.
To become truly export-ready, bands from countries less established in the global jazz market might need something more than a unique style or sharp performance skills. Tour funding can be key. To that end, Vitrin offers the SOCAR Turkey Silk Road Tour Support Award, a $2,500 EUR stipend for two acts voted best in showcase. Some European programmers at Vitrin said travel support is not critical to their bookings. But Jae-Jin In, director of South Korea’s Jarasum Jazz Festival, said that for international competitiveness, the Turkish government should provide musicians with substantial tour support. “The musicians who perform at Jarasum, sometimes their airfare to Seoul is higher than their fee,” he said. “Besides a few famous musicians, we have to put priority on the musicians who have some support for airfare.”
With the Vitrin showcase attracting dozens of preeminent programmers during the past three years, it’s safe to expect more Turkish music soon on a stage near you. And on the global recording market, too. Smithsonian Folkways label director Huib Schippers says he’s planning some label business with Vitrin musicians.
Bring the world’s culture-makers to Istanbul, and they’ll not only take Istanbul to the world—they’ll probably be back again. DB
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet will record live at New York’s Village Vanguard for ECM records on Aug. 26–27.
Jul 22, 2026 12:46 PM
One of Joe Lovano’s buzz terms is “the moment of now” and with seemingly infinite patience — despite a schedule…
“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…
