If you’ve ever wanted a taste of authentic Anatolian music, then look no further than Erkan Oğur, Bülent Ortaçgil and İsmail Hakkı Demircioğlu. Turkey’s three legendary folk musicians will be live in London next month.

The trio will be performing at the magnificent Grade II-listed Islington Assembly Hall on Sunday 27 November. Expect a masterful mix of popular classic and contemporary Turkish folk and Anatolian rock songs that encompasses rock, jazz and Turkish Blues.

Erkan Oğur is a master of the kopuz and bağlama lutes, as well as many other stringed instruments. Back in the late 80s, he invented the fretless classical guitar while working with American Blues artists such as Robert ‘One Man’ Johnson in the USA. His improvised style and award-winning Turkish Classical and Folk music compositions, including countless soundtracks, have made him popular across Turkey.

Bülent Ortaçgil is a guitarist, composer and singer who first started recording music in 1971. His debut album Benimle Oynar Mısın? (Will you play with me?), in 1974, became an instant classic. Throughout his career, he has worked with many of Turkey’s leading musical lights including Onnu Tunç and Fikret Kızılok, straddling multiple musical genres.

İsmail Hakkı Demircioğlu also plays numerous stringed instruments, primarily bağlama and bass guitar, and features on the albums of numerous Turkish artists. He regularly performs with Oğur, with the pair releasing three albums between 1998 and 2003. Earlier this year, they also toured North America, playing eight sell-out gigs.

Unlike their earlier London gigs, which have been acoustic-led, the trio will be supported by a band of renowned musicians for their Islington Assembly Hall concert. They include Cem Aksel (drums), Baki Duyarlar (keyboards), and Erdal Akyol (double bass). Ortaçgil will also be doing a full set of his songs. A gig not to be missed!

Event details

Dates: Sunday 27 November 2016

Address:  Islington Assembly Hall, Upper Street, London N1 2UD

Doors open:  7pm

Tickets: £25-40 + booking fee

Info & Tickets: islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/legends-live-in-london