Okan Ersan Electric Band

We are delighted to welcome the Okan Ersan Electric Band to Highams Park Jazz Club for a special evening of contemporary electric jazz fusion.Cypriot Turkish guitarist and composer Okan Ersan is internationally recognised for his unique approach to fusion, blending jazz, progressive rock, world music and Eastern Mediterranean influences with powerful electric guitar, complex rhythms and cinematic soundscapes. His music combines virtuosic improvisation, memorable melodies and adventurous compositions inspired by themes ranging from mythology to science and the cosmos.Okan's international career began in 2003 when he became a finalist in the prestigious Guitarist of the Year competition in Birmingham, UK. Since then, he has performed at major festivals including Leverkusener Jazztage, Penang Island Jazz Festival, Ingolstädter Jazztage, Aalener Jazzfestival, Kansas City Jazz Festival and Nanjing International Jazz & World Music Festival, sharing stages with artists including Al Di Meola, Robben Ford, Billy Paul, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Ernie Watts and Dave Weckl.His recording career includes the albums To Whom It May Concern, A Reborn Journey featuring saxophone legend Ernie Watts, and the acclaimed concept album Nibiru, inspired by Sumerian mythology, quantum physics and deep space. The project was officially released by UNESCO Austria and featured during World Space Week. His recent releases include the singles One by One, You Must Believe in Spring, Suddenly, and Dillirga-ma, his fusion interpretation of a traditional Cypriot melody produced by Dave Weckl.A Yamaha Guitars artist since 2002 and currently a PRS Guitars Artist, Okan brings together a world-class band for this special performance.Serkan Özylmaz: piano & synthesiserA leading Turkish jazz pianist, Serkan has served as pianist and conductor of the TRT Jazz Orchestra the national jazz ensemble of TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) and has performed with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Jazz Orchestra.Eylem Pelit: bassA renowned bassist, composer and educator at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory, Eylem is known for his work with the fusion group Habbecik and performances with artists including John Scofield, Larry Coryell and Dee Dee Bridgewater.Volkan Öktem: drums
One of Turkey's most acclaimed drummers, Volkan is celebrated for his solo projects, his work with Laço Tayfa, and collaborations with artists including John Scofield, Aydn Esen and Dianne Reeves.Together, the Okan Ersan Electric Band delivers an exciting journey through modern electric fusion combining powerful grooves, intricate compositions, soaring guitar lines and spontaneous improvisation. Expect an evening of high-energy musicianship from four exceptional artists at the forefront of contemporary jazz fusion.Band line-up:- Okan Ersan: electric guitar
- Serkan Özylmaz: piano & synthesiser
- Eylem Pelit: bass
- Volkan Öktem: drums