Frontman İlhan Erşahin is one of those rare music moguls of the New York underground scene – the creative force behind the iconic Nublu club and record label, and a true global citizen of sound. Wherever he goes, Erşahin brings that unmistakable New York energy, channelled through a spirit of fearless collaboration and borderless music-making.
Since 2008, Istanbul Sessions have been setting fire to stages around the world – from New York to Istanbul, Paris to São Paulo, London to Skopje – with performances that blur lines and defy definition. The one guarantee is master-level musicianship meeting pure eclecticism: the true expression of an “east-to-west crossover”, immersive and genre-defying that’s full of rhythm and life.
Across five acclaimed albums, the band have built a sound that’s both sophisticated and raw. Their 2020 release, Bir Zamanlar Şimdi, confirmed their place as one of the most vital voices in global jazz.
Now, Istanbul Sessions return to London with new music and new ideas, including the singles “Haliç”, “Tünel” and “Galata”, from their new album Mahalle, released earlier this year.
They will be playing four shows at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s in London in September. Expect a night of cinematic grooves and hypnotic improvisation, where New York, Istanbul and everything in between meet.
Line-up
İlhan Erşahin – saxophone
Alp Ersönmez – bass
Turgut Alp Bekoğlu – drums
İzzet Kızıl – percussion
Event Details
Date: Friday 25 September 2026 and Saturday 26 September 2026
Times: two performances each day, starting at 6.40pm and 9.15pm. Doors open earlier.
Venue: Ronnie Scott's, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT
Admission: ticket prices £40-£55
Tickets: buy direct from the venue – click here
Artist info: click here for more info about İlhan Erşahin
