Countdown for Akbank Jazz Festival starts

ISTANBUL

A project consisting of three critically praised European musicians, Mare Nostrum, wil be one of the highlights at the 23rd Akbank Jazz Festival.

The 23rd Akbank Jazz Festival will start on Sept. 25 and present a rich program including workshops, panels, competitions and “Jazz in Campus” concerts, until Oct. 12. The events will be held in a wide variety of venues like Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Akbank Sanat, Babylon, Babylon Lounge, Nardis, Garajistanbul, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah and the Caddebostan Cultural Center.

Malawi-born English artist Malia, one of the most important soul jazz singers on the scene today, will be at The Seed on Sept. 25 for the opening performance of the jazz fest. The event will honor legendary trumpet player Rava, who will be on the stage with his “Rava Tribe” project. Petrella, one of the world’s best trombone players, and drummer Fabrizio Sferra will also join Rava.

Some of the names that stand out in the program are Cassandra Wilson, Harriet Tubman, Enrico Rava, Mare Nostrum and Nicholas Payton, Mos Def, Mulatu Astatke, Sex Mob, Lost Fingers, Jehan Barbur featuring İlhan Erşahin and Jim Rotondi.

John Surman, one of England’s greatest English saxophone players will bring his unique style to the festival with a concert.

Mare Nostrum, a project consisting of critically praised European musicians, Italian trumpeter Paolo Fresu, French accordion player Richard Galliano and Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren, will also perform at the festival. The “Sounds of the New World” section will feature Rotondi, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Nicholas, Astatke, Harriet Tubman & Cassandra Wilson, Mos Def, Chris Dave and the Drumhedz.

Combining Sweden’s rich musical heritage with his unique improvised compositions and considered to be one of the most respected pianists of Northern Europe, Mattias Nilsson will also perform at Akbank Sanat.