ermandirikcan

‘Forces At Work’ review by Ken Vos in the Jazzisim magazine, May-June 2013 issue

Google Translated;

This debut CD was already presented last year, but still not discussed in this paper. That’s a shame because this Turkish guitarist based in the Netherlands is one of the few that shows an original instrumentalist in this genre.

Dirikcan has a very good ear for distinctive timbres. It has paid in addition to the regular electric guitar also include a fretless guitar that gives him greater flexibility in tone production. Of course there is the necessary effect used equipment, but that never happens without obligation.

The pieces are very logical structure, but contain nevertheless every time an unexpected sound element or special twist that makes them intriguing. Especially the longer pieces as Combat, Inner Circle and Rokin thus get a special tension.

The bass guitarists Benedek Kiss and Selka know with drummer Tuur Moens despite the very tight rhythmic context to create extra depth.

‘Forces At Work’ review by Tim Sprangers at the Jazz International Rotterdam website, Feb 2013;

http://www.jazzinternationalrotterdam.nl/jazz-nieuws/scheppende-gitaristen

Google Translated;

The interest of these from Turkey guitarist Among other Indian (raga) music and Turkish makam music. For both genres is the fretless stringed instrument essential, like the old, from the surroundings Turkey. Dirikcan went fretless guitar study with the inventor of this instrument: Erkan Ogur.

But do not expect traditional music on his debut album Forces at Work. The guitar Dirikcan has two necks, one fretless is. The ancient Oriental tones move in only decades old idiom: the fusion jazz. Phew, do you soon. Fusion that are interfering with world music, which led to more unsavory practices which the virtuoso element of the authentic heritage is exploited in isolated macho boring scenes.

That is certainly not the case with Dirikcan that Indian and Turkish accents naturally embeds in driving grooves and coloring electronics. In trio with bass (SeLKA / Benedek Kiss) and drums (Tuur Moens) especially for this time he brings rare strong, own fusion jazz. That seemed to be a genre that had lost its urgency, but with such an original approach is completely separate from swaggering solos, you crave more.

The sound is cool, thanks to the deep bass of the Hungarian Kiss, who plays tight and functional. Of course there are many freaking with asymmetrical rhythms, sometimes raised, often just good clear beaten by the Belgian Moens. The centerpiece is undoubtedly Dirikcan, who wrote all the songs and his vast color palette with enthusiasm shows. He switches sharply between his two guitars, and herein makes use of various pedals and spacende electronics.

Fortunately he uses these effects stylish and extent making it ever going to sound old fashioned. The ballads are the dangerous terrain in the fusion jazz. Sweeteners in the example 'Combat’ as four gears downshifting and techniques fragile sound. But the atmosphere remains pleasant, thanks to the impressive musicianship and because the endless colors continues to intrigue.

‘Combat' from the album Forces At Work, 2012 DAM Records

Erman Dirikcan - guitars, fretless guitar
Benedek Kiss - bass
Tuur Moens - drums

‘Fabrication' from the album Forces At Work, 2012 DAM Records

Erman Dirikcan - guitars
SeLKA - bass, keyboards, live electronics
Tuur Moens - drums

‘Forces At Work’ review in Jazzfliets magazine (20 August '12 issue)

Google Translated;

The young Turkish guitarist Erman Dirikcan makes with “Forces At Work” his debut, and shows a tasteful instrumentalist and composer.

In the field of jazz rock which he seems wishing to operate, we are often overwhelmed by virtuoso on strings pickers without much musical depth. At the Rotterdam skilled Dirikcan is determined differently. With are double-instrument (a normal and a fretless guitar, like his compatriot Timuçin Sahin) he turns a delight.

The effect equipment creates atmosphere drawing, and besides popping funk grooves (eg 'Inner Circle’) is there is also space for reflection and stillness. In almost acoustic 'Combat’ (with a title like you expect something else!) shows his trio that from the right stuff. Bass Benedek Kiss impresses with a beautiful deep tone and drummer Tuur Moens sweeps here with his brushes with the many subtle each other. The use of smart electronics limited, because Dirikcan is well aware of the dangers. What is now the cabinets come, creates atmosphere and thus he tells a story, such as in the strong 'Rokin’.

Forces At Work concert at Lantaren Venster

Bimhuis album release

photo by Elke Westervaarder

Guitarist Erman Dirikcan is to release jazz fusion album Forces At Work

Erman Dirikcan will present his new album Forces at Work on April 27th at Bimhuis in Amsterdam. Known for his use of the fretless guitar combined with live electronics, Erman will be accompanied by world renown pianist and composer Aydın Esen, contemporary artist SeLKa on bass and veteran drummer Chander Sardjoe during the event.

There will be a repeat performance with the same line-up on April 29that Lantaren Venster in Rotterdam as part of Turkey Now Festival 2012.

Bimhuis

Lantaren Venster

Turkey Now

Forces At Work carries out Erman’s original compositions that subtly blend his formal training in the jazz tradition with his predisposition to linear improvisation supported by his work in Turkish Makam music and Indian Raga music. The album’s general mood can be described as a mysterious adventure with cunning twists along the way which make it upbeat and open to reciprocation.

Featuring eight original tracks composed by Erman Dirikcan, the album can be purchased through cdbaby.com or on iTunes.