Review: Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions - Mahalle (Nublu Records)

Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions' 'Mahalle' is the latest release on New York’s legendary Nublu Records and get it now so you don't miss the boat/ferry!

Ever since the single, 'Galata' / 'Karaköy' (see review HERE) came out and the 'Yeditepe' / 'Asmalı' follow-up (see review HERE), the YATM office has been excited for Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions album; especially after the label released the avant-garde JMMR's 'Resistance Is Fertile' (see review HERE).

So what's the new with the Swedish born-Turkish heritage-NYC living saxophonist-club owner Ilhan on 'Mahalle'?; the "sonic exploration of Istanbul's diverse neighborhoods where tradition meets innovation and the ancient pulse of the city merges with contemporary rhythms".

Well, check this 'neighbourhood' where the jazz-rock-fusion of Acoustic Ladyland is merged with Thundercat funk on 'Asmali' which is advanced jazz funk on anyone's menu.  And talking cross-genre influences, is that some sophisticated punk a la Joy Division on 'Yeditepe' with some insane percussion: there's a lot going on here: try the 70s cinematic jazz-funker 'Haliç' or the car chase 'Tünel'.

If you're like Ilhan, who has jammed with The Red Hot Chili Peppers in São Paulo or played with Bugge Wesseltoft in the Tokoyo Blue Note club (Ed. note, this year marks the 25th anniversay of Wesseltoft's album 'New Conception Of Jazz: Moving' so watch out for more on this) along with being emerced in the traditons of Turkish/Mediterean music via Sweden, will get how this sax player stands out with a homage Istanbul and post-Weather Report all at the same time.

The core team was formed in 2009 (and at that time featured Erik Truffaz on trumpet who popped up HERE a couple of years ago) and features bassist/co-producer Alp Ersönmez who is a joint-leader much of the time - especially on 'Karaköy' with echoes of Andy Bey/Pharoah Sanders/Jazz Chronicles), drummer Turgut Alp Bekoglu and percussionist Izzet Kizil.

So there's definitely spiritual incarnations with Ersahin's sax you're equally likely to be confronted by rock band influences (like on 'Odakule') which might irk some but were on the coat tails of jazz-rock here (Ed. Jazz Sabbath anyone?) whilst the Batov elements would prefer more manic pulsing 'Athos' skat lullaby of the closing track 'Tersane'.

Going to be a favourite album throughout the year as it's going to be tough to say that there's a better one - makes you wanna join a band.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (): https://ffm.to/mahalle

Artist: Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions

Title:  Mahalle      
Release date: 16th January, 2026
Label : Nublu Records
Catalog Number: NUB-TBC
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp