Kerem Görsev - After The Hurricane (2018)

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Kerem Görsev - After The Hurricane (2018)

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Kerem Görsev’s 18 th release was recorded in January at Bunker Studio, New York. All the eight pieces in the release are composed by Kerem Görsev. With world-renowned musician Terell Stafford (trumpet), Peter Washington (double bass) and Ferit Odman (drums), the record was released with “Emre Grafson” label in CD & LP formats on March 23, 2018.

Turkish Airlines’ Inflight Entertainment System now features the latest album by world-renowned jazz musician Kerem Görsev. As you listen to After the Hurricane throughout your journey, you can also read our interview with Görsev in which he talks about his music career and new album.

You were born in Istanbul on June 28, 1961. You started studying music at Istanbul Municipality Conservatory in 1967. Can you tell us a bit about your music career and passion for jazz?

The first jazz albums I listened to in the 1970s took me into this magical world. After listening to the album Since We Met by Bill Evans, his style and albums with classical music orchestras (Claus Ogerman arrangements) became a milestone in my life. Since my first album Hands and Lips in 1994, my 18 albums so far have followed each other in terms of texture, perspective, sound and acoustics. These albums have been the reflection of my journey in life.


You’re one of Turkey’s internationally acclaimed jazz musicians. You have released albums and performed with many famous international jazz musicians. How does it feel to be Kerem Görsev?

We shouldn’t forget what Aydın Esen has done in this country and achieved in the world. I’ve released half my albums abroad with international musicians in various studios and in various orchestral formats. Every musician I’ve met and collaborated with has introduced me to a new world. What we have in common is to make acoustic and swing music, and to love and study American jazz standards. I’m trying to find my own personality and musical style to earn myself a place on this planet as a jazz musician. For me, this is how it feels to be Kerem Görsev.


Is there an unforgettable concert that influenced you the most?

It was in 1998 when legendary drummer Elvin Jones invited me to his band for two concerts. I can never forget those performances in which I played the piano right next to his drums, feeling his perspiration.


You started composing in the 1990s. You finished recording your first album Hands and Lips in 1994 and you released it in 1995. Last month, you released your 18th album After the Hurricane. How has your musical journey been throughout this process?

The fundamentals of all my albums are periods of life, musicians one meets, relationships one has, natural events and the ecological balance of the world. And this journey will continue until the end of life.


Before going on to your new album, I’d like to talk about To Bill Evans in 2013. This album means a lot to you. You’re a huge fan of Bill Evans and were very impressed by his album Since We Met. You also said, “I feel a sense of emptiness if I don’t listen to it every day. Bill Evans has become a personality who helped me achieve my dreams.”

There was something magical about that album. Alan Broadbent arranged my compositions. My trio and I with Prague Philharmonic Orchestra paid our respects to Bill Evans who passed away on September 15, 1980.


Your new album After the Hurricane is a meticulous and wonderful album from cover design to concept. You describe it by saying, “We cannot guess or know what will happen in our lives and when, how it will develop or end; we can only watch and see.” Can you comment on that?

The world we live in is a planet that has become tired of us and is patiently trying not to destroy us. It all calms down after the flood and we cannot know when the next one will come. I planned this album in a state of peaceful respite in this period of my life and recorded it with joy and awe in New York.



You state that much-loved Ferit Odman has contributed greatly to this album and offer your thanks to him. You’ve achieved something great with him. What do you think about this collaboration?

This joyful collaboration has been going on for 12 years. We’ve recorded seven albums together and performed at concerts more times than I can remember. We never lost the smile on our faces and had no thought or feeling without swing. We’re also two friends who see each other. In this album, he not only performed (which he does best) but also took care of everything regarding production. Before we started recording, we planned everything including the solo forms of the songs in Bodrum. When we went to New York, we left the studio only for four hours including the meal breaks thanks to this preparation. Terell Stafford and Peter Washington, who played in Ferit’s albums, were also featured in this one and they embraced it like their own with their perfect personalities and musical talents. After the mastering was done, we returned to Istanbul with a big smile on our faces. I’m very happy to see this album, which closely interested Ferit Odman, on digital platforms and at music stores in CD and vinyl format.


Have you had the chance to look at the albums on Turkish Airlines’ inflight entertainment system? It features many albums from the latest to classics in 19 categories and 23 subcategories ranging from local to international, jazz to classical music.

Sure, I usually listen to some music (jazz) and watch two films during long flights.


How do you feel about your new album being included in the inflight media?

The most important thing for a musician is to have his/her music spread to a wider audience. I’m happy to be featured in inflight media with this album. I hope you enjoy it.


Thank you and I wish you continued success.