Berke Can Özcan feat. Arve Henriksen & Jonah Parzen-Johnson - Twin Rocks (2023)

Istanbul born performing artist, producer, composer and instrument builder Berke Can Özcan takes you on a captivating journey through the depths of nature on the Lycian Way -a 520 km long hiking trail in southwestern Turkey around part of the coast of ancient Lycia, named after the Lycian civilization that once ruled in this region-. As Özcan ventures deeper into uncharted territory on the trail, he stumbles upon a sight that sparks an artistic flame, the Twin Rocks. In collaboration with critically acclaimed Norwegian trumpet mastermind Arve Henriksen and Brooklyn-based baritone saxophonist Jonah Parzen-Johnson, Özcan immerses the listener in a mesmerizing soundscape that echoes the wonder and mystery of the trail leading to ancient Lycia.

This collaboration weaves together a tapestry of sonic explorations that capture the essence of Özcan's journey. The ambient-jazz album's delicate balance between organic sounds and electronic manipulation creates a dreamlike atmosphere that transports the listener to the rugged terrain of the Lycian Way. Mastered by three-time Grammy winner Dave Darlington, each track on this ethereal album mirrors a different aspect of the journey to Twin Rocks, meticulously composed by Özcan, Parzen-Johnson and Henriksen with each section of the trail in mind.

The album is infused with melodic bird songs and sound walk recordings that add depth and texture to the ethereal soundscape.

Özcan’s array of self-crafted instruments made out of bamboos, soda bottle caps, straws, house keys, terracotta flower pots alongside with his long time companions like his steel drums, chimes, gongs, and vibraphone, serve as the medium through which he expresses the reflections of his encounters in his own world of rhythm and melody.

Side A: Buried Palms Garden, Snake Behind Valley, And The Way Back Hill
Berke Can Özcan - Drums, percussion, vibraphone, prepared piano, synth bass, harmonica, vocals, samples, field recordings, tape machines, gongs, electronic beats, synths
Arve Henriksen - Trumpet
Ozan Tekin - Piano, organ, synth
Selim Saraçoğlu - Electric guitar
Ozan Kısaparmak - Bass on “Buried Palms Garden”
Mahmut Albulak - Backing vocals & acoustic guitar on “Snake Behind Valley”

Side B: Hidden Village, Sea of B, Red Pine Bridge And The Crystal Clear Dead-End
Berke Can Özcan - Drums, percussion, vibraphone, prepared piano, synth bass, harmonica, vocals, samples, field recordings, tape machines, gongs, electronic beats, steel drum, synths
Jonah Parzen-Johnson - Baritone saxophone
Ozan Tekin - Piano, organ, synth