Intensive work, age context and expectations: We talked to young talent Hakan Başar

Eight-year-old began playing the piano in his career from the day successful steps in Hakan Basar, Turkey is known as the youngest pianist in jazz. A year after his debut album On Top Of The Roof , the young artist recently shared his single project “Hub Art”, which he recorded with Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy; We asked our questions about his work and his journey.

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For the full interview, please click on the image, above.

For the full interview, please click on the image, above.

"Music is something that takes a lot of dedication"

Hakan Başar is a very young talent whose name we have started to hear more recently. Pianist Hakan Başar, who plays together with important names of the world jazz scene in such important venues, continues this adventure that he started at an early age with sure steps. The 16-year-old young pianist continues to work despite all the negativity created by the pandemic process. We had an interview with this young and remarkable pianist of the jazz scene about his career and future goals.

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for the full article, please click on the image, above.

for the full article, please click on the image, above.

This time a single from Hakan

In Turkey, Birgun’s Sevin Okyay writes, “We witnessed the formation of a musician.”

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Sixteen-year-old jazz pianist Hakan Başar took his place on digital platforms with a single one year after his debut album “On Top of the Roof”. The two he played together, two legendary names: Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Will Kennedy (drums) of Yellowjackets. The third person with a lot of salt in the soup is Martin Hummel, the founder of Ubuntu Music, who launched his first album and encouraged his young musician with his sincere presentation before the concert at the London Jazz Festival. Accompanying him are master jazz players, producer İzzet Öz. Of course, we do not forget his father Hakan, Sr., who is still a busy musician.

It was Başar, who reminded me of when the single would be released anyway. Although I could not make it to the day, you know, our BirDay is Tuesday, but of course I did not jump. Don't say we haven't heard. Our young pianist's first single, Hub Art Special Edition, was released on October 16!

Hakan Başar, Sr., with his full name, Hakan Fahrettin Başar, was quite surprised when I asked him for written material support. He reminded me that we listened to Hakan at his first concerts when he was 10 years old. It is true that the child is born into our hands. Not just mine, but anyone interested in music and jazz. “You also remember when he appeared on stage in a sweater,” he said. I remember, yes, he took his place at the İKSV Jazz Festival's program explanation meetings with his smiling face at the beginning of his piano.

Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy are delighted with him. Considering that only six years have passed since Hakan, who has been playing the piano since the age of eight, it has been only six years since his first concert, it is impossible to disagree with those who find the definition of “genius” suitable for Hakan. A very talented, hardworking musician who does everything deemed suitable for him without any objection, which is worth the weight of gold. Haslip thinks that the “Hub Art” project frames the beauty of his performance and compositions. Will Kennedy said, "With Hakan's hands, the vitality and spirit behind him, he gives us confidence for the future."

He played to a large and enthusiastic audience at the London Jazz Festival last year. Recently, he had the privilege of meeting master artists such as Chick Corea, Ron Carter and Eddie Gomez or attending their workshops. Martin Hummel thinks they can expect much more from him. “Hakan is a really talented artist and a very special person. We love it! "

In an interview with him in September, Işıl Çalışkan asked what it was like to find herself in the world of music at a young age. "I didn't understand much at first," said Hakan. "Dates were given, preparations were made and it was said" Let's go "." It is understood that he found this period quite entertaining. “Then, after a year full of recordings and a long hiatus, I start to feel that I am in the industry with the Akbank Sanat concert on May 22, 2019, where we played with Ferit Odman and Halil Çağlar Serin and the producer of the album Martin Hummel came and announced the agreement. 2020 started with concerts. Although he could not continue that way, but the online Ankara Jazz Festival and Radyo Boğaziçi are pleased with the nomination of Jazz Musician of the Year. Not to mention domestic and international radio programs. “The latest development is Jean-Pierre Leduc '

But the most important thing for him is that many experienced jazz artists, especially his father, who quit active music for his son and rush to his business, trust him and give him a chance. Domestic and foreign concerts are full, the reviews are positive. We are dealing with a young but responsible musician who has paid off his trust.

Good luck, Hakan! Yes, we actually remember her wearing a sweater on the stage. How happy we are. We witnessed the formation of a musician.

Coronavirus Diaries: Hakan Başar

Hakan is interviewed by Komplike Dergi

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Yet giving his first concert at age ten, Turkey's best young jazz pianist, we conducted an interview with Hakan Basar. Başar, who previously took part in important festivals including Istanbul Jazz Festival, İzmir European Jazz Festival, Akbank Jazz Festival and EFG London Jazz Festival, also received full marks with his performance from Mike Collins from London Jazz News. Hakan Başar, who also has the opportunity to work with Chick Corea, has met important jazz musicians Ron Carter, Russell Malone, Eddie Gomez and Donald Vega. Hakan Başar, who is just 16 years old, Jimmy Haslip from Yellowjackets and Will Kennedy will release the 'Hub Art Single Edition' on October 16th.

Interview: Narcissus Storm                      

Are you known as Turkey's best young jazz musicians. How did you get into music? What kind of education did you get during this period?
He started at the age of children in recent years and I have also included my examples from Turkey to the growing jazz musicians in the world, brought together in this definition also. Although I have had the opportunity to listen to this music from a much younger age, I can say that the instrument and jazz beginnings are around eight or nine years old. Actually I started as a thought much earlier. Because the first stage of my father's orchestra rehearsals was held at home, which was very interesting to me, and with desperate patience I was expecting to grow a little more and to meet with an instrument. One of the surprises in the normal course of life led my father to find a solution from his own infrastructure instead of external transfer. So I started playing the piano. We produced our own solutions as education. While I continue my compulsory education with normal classes in public school, Music studies were also progressing with hours and curriculum programs without a hitch. First of all, very serious research has been done. Junior Hanon begins with Jazz Hanon, Jazz Invention, Jazz Keyboard and Oscar Peterson Jazz Exercises, followed by Michel Petrucciani, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Sonny Clark, Art Tatum, Scott Joplin, Chick Corea and Thelonious Monk were the first names I took as an example. This very serious research has brought me surprises like Walter Norris and Clare Fisher. Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Sonny Clark, Art Tatum, Scott Joplin, Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk were the first names I took as an example. This very serious research has brought me surprises like Walter Norris and Clare Fisher. Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Sonny Clark, Art Tatum, Scott Joplin, Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk were the first names I took as an example. This very serious research has brought me surprises like Walter Norris and Clare Fisher.

Jazz music is difficult to understand and perform? Why did you choose jazz music? 
First I would like to clarify the subject of understanding. At first, my father made me work slowly and patiently with systems that were the most appropriate, fun, and least boring for my age. He once asked one of his old acquaintances to play a piece before the orchestra's program. The answer was "But Hakan does not know the TV series." Maybe that day, when I was trying to learn Turkish in primary school, if impositions like Locrian, Phrigian, Dorian, Mixolydian were made, I would never have reached these points today. Because I never do anything I don't want. My father always used the best choices for me, foreseeing that I could handle all the theoretical information in time. Of course, premium systems such as food, order, sports shoes and clothes were the fun part. My first stage experiences are Esma Sultan, It took place by playing at the most important events of the world, at Raffles Hotel and similar important places. Of course it is very difficult to steal. It is necessary to create a whole by bringing together many important details in the most harmonious way. Most importantly, it is necessary to work regularly for progress. There are days when I don't want to hear any sound and don't touch the piano, as well as active rest. After jazz music took an important place in my life with the methods I worked on, the CDs I listen to and the first repertoire I gradually created, it became indispensable for me every day and I started to feel it in myself. I now saw myself belonging to this music. Most importantly, it is necessary to work regularly for progress. There are days when I don't want to hear any sound and don't touch the piano, as well as active rest. After jazz music took an important place in my life with the methods I worked on, the CDs I listen to and the first repertoire I gradually created, it became indispensable for me every day and I started to feel it in myself. I now saw myself belonging to this music. Most importantly, it is necessary to work regularly for progress. There are days when I don't want to hear any sound and don't touch the piano, as well as active rest. After jazz music took an important place in my life with the methods I worked on, the CDs I listen to and the first repertoire I gradually created, it became indispensable for me every day and I started to feel it in myself. I now saw myself belonging to this music.

I think you are incredibly talented. What does being a 'child prodigy' change in your life? Or do you describe yourself like that?
I think I made progress by being guided and working regularly. The fact that I thought and implemented very quickly also created a situation in my favor in terms of time. I took care of the features that can be gained by working for years in a shorter time. At first, I was able to work on parts besides technical and basic studies, so I had to do many things together. I'm more comfortable right now.

You did great things at a very young age. Is there a secret or method to this success?
It's just the beginning of the road for me. I worked with the right coach. (Laughs) He is a very experienced person who avoids any sacrifice for me. The fact that we act together with our feelings of stability, order, humor, fun, getting through difficult days together and similar feelings have also positively affected my work.

You have worked with many important jazz musicians abroad as well as in our country. You have met many important musicians. You have been a student of Chick Corea. What was the experience?
I met important jazz musicians such as Ron Carter, Eddie Gomez, Russel Malone, and we met Chick Corea before a concert in Istanbul. I had the chance to work and talk for about an hour. We even played their own songs together, and when he heard Jaki Byard's "Chandra" from me, he immediately went to the drums and laughed a lot.

Who was the musician you enjoyed performing together most? Is there a place where you say 'I should definitely play on this stage'?
I can say Ferit Odman and Montreux Jazz Festival ...

You released your first album 'On the Top of the Roof' last year. Can you talk a little bit about your album process?
For a new musician like me, the word "album" is quite assertive. The recordings of “On Top Of The Roof” were planned in order to get clearer answers to questions such as how I can make a sound from the piano, how my touch, what are my shortcomings, how the pieces I have chosen affect people, and to learn how to act together with professional musicians. Registration, which started in February 2018 with the support of Izzet Öz and Babajim Studios, was completed in November. Although the track Ferit Odman, İmer Demirer, Halil Çağlar Serin, Kağan Yıldız and Voyage was not included in the album, I had the chance to play with Engin Recepoğulları. The recordings took place on social media through the videos, and as a result, we signed with Martin Hummel and Ubuntu Music. On October 18, 2019, the album was released all over the world. The launch took place on October 22 at Pera Fine Arts Stage.

What does Hakan Başar do other than music? You are only sixteen years old. Isn't it difficult for school, professional music life and adolescence?
Since I haven't been out for months, I usually watch movies, matches, and news channels on TV. By entering Pera Fine Arts High School, I carried my choice of music to the school environment. Therefore, it cannot be said that I have had difficulties.

Finally, I want to talk about the pandemic process. As you know, we are all closed to homes. Music has also been one of the most affected areas. How did you spend this period? How did you keep your motivation high? How did it affect your production process?
We are going through a period where many things happen at the same time and it is not clear when it will end. On the one hand, people who are dealing with their lives have trouble making a living, environments such as a battlefield, burning trucks entering gas stations, weddings, parties, etc. However, when this period is over, everyone should be ready as much as possible in terms of business. Because I think we will face days with impatience, intolerance and too many expectations after the chaos. If I have to explain it in a single sentence, I am trying to take my own measures musically.

The 'Hub Art Special Edition' single you recorded with Yellowjackets' Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy will be released soon. Can you talk about this project?
The recordings, which were made in 2018 and constitute the album On Top Of The Roof today, were also shot and shared on social media with appropriate timings, each of which constitutes a concert, attracting great attention at home and abroad. In this way, we created our own activities in one place by preventing the year 2018 from being empty. In this way, my musical concentration did not dissipate and my connections with the followers of me were not broken.

Then what?
During all these works, I was often listening to the piece called Pixel in the Jeff Lorber Group 2010 promotional video, which I liked and liked very much. Of course, in the meantime, interviews about me are being held and new alternatives are being sought. In one of these, another magic hand came into play, meeting with Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy and telling us that they got approval for a project together. The most important feature in the selection of the track was the funk intro of Hub Art and especially how the track could be with the Will Kennedy drum sound. Of course, this duo, who played together in Yellow Jackets for many years, would take place in a recording for me again. I can only say "amazing" for that. In the summer of 2018, Will and Jimmy's recording took place. Between the volume of the album, concerts, management, launch, and the London Jazz Festival, we put this recording on hold. In the fall of 2019, the track was completed with Halil İbrahim Işık recording and Erim Arkman mixing and mastering. In the first months of 2020, a single offer came from Martin Hummel and Ubuntu Music and the name of the project was named "Hub Art Special Edition". The release date will be October 16, 2020. In addition to all of these, I would like to thank Kompıklı magazine for this interview.

Perelman Plus Arcado String Trio, Hakan Başar, Neil Swainson And More

On this show the fascinating collaboration of Ivo Perelman with the Arcado String Trio, exciting new sounds from Quintopus, Turkish jazz prodigy Hakan Başar, a reissue featuring the Neil Swainson Quintet with Joe Henderson and Woody Shaw, cool sounds from guitarist Dom Angelo Mongiovi, strangeness from Strange Winds, intercontinental intensity from Cyclone Trio and a Mark Dresser jazz supergroup.

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Hakan Başar 'Hub Art' Special Edition Single Release

Turkey’s Artful Living reports on the upcoming single release.

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16-year-old pianist Hakan Başar announced his new single Hub Art Special Edition , which also includes Yellowjackets' legendary names Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Will Kennedy (drums)  . It was also stated that the single, which will meet the audience with the Ubuntu Music label, will take place on digital platforms exactly one year after the launch of the young artist's first album  On Top of The Roof .

Hakan Başar, who started playing the piano at the age of eight, then gave his first concert at the Pera Music Festival, attended the lectures of important names in jazz such as Chick Corea, Ron Carter and Eddie Gomez, and took part in various workshops. Having recently met with the audience at the 2019 London Jazz Festival, Başar is preparing to meet with music lovers again with his new single.

Hakan Başar made the following statement about his latest work:

“It is incredible and exciting to be in the same project with the two giant names of jazz that I watched in the Jeff Lorber 2010 promotional video when I was 10 years old. Ubuntu Music is my home. When I heard from Martin Hummel that this record will be released as a single after my first album, my joy and happiness doubled. Thanks Jimmy, Will and Martin! ” “The future is in the hands of young people, and while we do our best to encourage, inspire and guide those we surrender, we rest assured knowing that the future is in safe hands,”

Said Will Kennedy in his comments about the work:

Hakan's hands give us confidence for the future with the vitality and spirit behind him. "