A serene take on modern jazz in London: Görkem Özalp

South West London-based Turkish guitarist and composer Görkem Özalp is making waves in the city's vibrant music scene with the release of his debut EP, Addresses. The project offers a tranquil and sophisticated interpretation of modern jazz, blending Anatolian cultural echoes with the calm, spatial atmosphere of ambient jazz.

Released independently, Addresses stands out for its refusal to be confined to a single aesthetic. Instead, it creates an original soundscape that prioritizes texture and collective performance over mere technical virtuosity. The EP is a testament to the thriving community of Turkish musicians currently living and producing in London.

A London-centric collaboration

The production of Addresses is deeply rooted in the London context, featuring a talented lineup of predominantly London-based Turkish artists:

• Görkem Özalp: Guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar.

• Cem Tuncer (London) & Volkan Topakoğlu (Istanbul): Bass guitar.

• Burak Ersöz (London): Drums, providing a steady rhythmic flow.

• Mehmet Esemen (Berlin): Guest guitarist.

• Mesut Güneş (London): Responsible for the mix and mastering, ensuring the EP's polished and cohesive sound.

This international yet London-focused team maintains a unified narrative throughout the recording, bridging different musical traditions seamlessly.

From Anatolia to Europe

The EP’s compositions reflect Özalp's personal journey and musical philosophy. Aside from a unique rendition of the jazz standard "Beautiful Love," all tracks are original compositions. The standard itself is given a subtle Turkish twist with a 5/8 time signature section at the end—a clever "hello" to his roots.

A standout track, "Moda," serves as a clear nod to Turkey, utilizing a 7/8 rhythm that highlights Anatolian influences. The track features the distinctive playing of Mehmet Esemen, whose style adds a unique character to the group's collective improvisation.

A lasting impression

Addresses is described as an "invitation to listen again," a work that deepens with each play rather than being a fleeting piece of media. For the residents of South West London and jazz enthusiasts in boroughs like Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames, Özalp’s work represents a kararlı (determined) and serene new voice in the modern jazz landscape.

As the London Turkish music community continues to grow and innovate, Görkem Özalp’s debut serves as a strong record of its current vitality and creative depth.