Mustafa Özkent is a musician, composer and arranger that synthesizes Turkish folk songs with funk elements. Best known for his 1973 album, Gençlik İle Elele, he also earned a reputation as a demanded session player, arranger, and producer, "creating music that fused psychedelic and pop/rock influences with R&B grooves and jazz-influenced improvisations." He was referred by Andy Votel as the "Dr. Frankenstein of Anatolian pop".
His songs are instrumental funk versions of well-known Turkish folk songs. With his mind-altering guitars and groovy rhythms, Mustafa Özkent takes us to a trip to Anatolian mountains and then back to the Bosphorus. His successful synthesis of two genres acts like a bridge between two amazing cultures. At the same time, he is a successful improvisor. The guitars in the songs feel very original and fresh.
You can learn more about Mustafa Özkent here:
About the curator - Ada Bayramoglu
Ada is a high schooler from İstanbul who cannot be seen without her headphones. She is a “support your local” kind of girl who knows all the best places to drink coffee in her hometown. Her subconscious is full of “Turkish Classical Music”, which she has been listening to since she was born. She likes everlasting conversations with her friends about music and art. If you don’t know where she is just look at the nearest concert hall and she’ll be there.
