While it doesn't generally seem to be an audience looking for the most adventurous radical musicians, it proved to be very appreciative and attentive for the concert by Klein, the band of Jérôme Klein from Luxembourg. Klein is always striking as a multi-instrumentalist, both on keyboards and drums. It had an almost trancelike feel to it. The atmosphere allowed musicians like Klein to express their craft intimately, resonating deeply with the audience.
It certainly seems to inspire the best from the musicians. It's not really a festival for sitting and listening intently, because the audience area by the stage is standing room only. Generally the music worked best when it could appeal easily to the young crowd, numbering over 1000 a night, many of whom were there to savor the atmosphere as much as the music.
The festival was nevertheless a catalyst to explore, listen and learn about some of the musicians on the local jazz scene. I managed to get a snapshot of the first two nights. The groups balance the Turkish with visiting bands from elsewhere, providing a diverse music experience that connects the local culture with international influences.
For example, there was Alfa Mist from the UK, Girls In Airports from Denmark, and Léo Phal from France. Saxophonist Phal certainly delivered quite a full-on set. It showed how music is a universal language, as we had French musicians communicating so well with an audience almost solely Turkish, creating an atmosphere of shared experience among diverse audiences.
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