Named as “one of the finest, most intriguing singers on the British world music scene” by the Guardian, Olcay Bayir digs deep into her Anatolian roots combining powerful vocals in four languages with a tight 5-piece band that builds intense, uplifting grooves with Mediterranean and Mesopotamian vibes. Eschewing the retro Anatolian rock style that is experiencing a revival, Bayir goes for stunning contemporary arrangements that are jazzy but not jazz, folky but not folk, electrifying but not electro: a fresh, upbeat sound that has won high praise in many countries and featured live on Cerys Mathews’ BBC 6 Music show as well as in this year’s Womad festival.

“acknowledging and interpreting your past and your culture is noble, but adding something essential to it with new work is even more impressive… ” Rootstime (BE)
“a heart-stoppingly beautiful and emotive voice” Rock n’ Reel (UK)
“a mix of traditional Anatolian songs and self-written Kate Bush-like songs” Heaven (NL)
“groove and even funky rhythms.. everything with the elegance of a velvety voice and honest songs” Jazz (PL)
“nothing short of stunning” Wisconsin Public Radio (USA)

Aurel Qirjo, violin
Christian Prior, keys
Huw Marc Bennett, bass
Kostas Kopanris, percussion
Zayn Mohammed, guitar

Supported by GÖKHAN DEMIRDÖĞMEZ PROJECT
Gökhan Demirdöğmez, a virtuoso of the Turkish clarinet, with improvisations and energy worthy of Coltrane. Standing in a line of great Turkish Roma artists such as Sukru Tunar and Selim Sesler, who made the Clarinet Star a status to be aspired to, Demirdöğmez delivers with flair and super-fast fingers.

DJ Sebze spins Gypsy beats and Turkish underground sounds.