Tel ve Ten – Ozan Baysal
Tel ve Ten translates to "String and Skin," a simple term that encapsulates the complex art of şelpe—an ancient Anatolian baglama playing style that takes centre stage in this album.
Rooted in the pastoral-nomadic cultures of the Middle East and Central Asia, şelpe has evolved over centuries. Yet, its core techniques, such as parmak vurma (finger tapping), tel çekme (plucking), and pençe (strumming), remain integral and serve as the foundation on which Ozan Baysal builds a triumphant debut on the world scene. These methods rely solely on the hands rather than a plectrum, creating a rich and resonant sound. In the hands of Ozan Baysal, this art form reaches new heights, offering an intricate, intense, and often hypnotic listening experience.
Featuring original compositions, fresh improvisations, and reimagined traditional melodies, the tracks of Tel ve Ten pay homage to şelpe’s heritage while reflecting Ozan's innovative approach. His choice of instrument—a distinctive double-necked bağlama—underscores his commitment to blending the revered traditions of şelpewith contemporary ideas.
In Tel ve Ten, Ozan masterfully merges academic expertise with artistic passion, crafting music that vibrantly reimagines an ancient tradition. This synergy of old and new is beautifully showcased in tracks like Haydar Haydar, a beloved song reinterpreted through the şelpestyle, and Kabartan Zeybeği, the album’s first single released on April 4th, which redefines a classic Zeybek tune using the double-necked bağlama.
Ozan Baysal is a Turkish bağlamaplayer, composer, and performer specializing in şelpe. His music seamlessly integrates traditional bağlama techniques with tonal and jazz harmonic elements. Performing on a custom double-necked bağlama, Ozan has graced prestigious European festivals, including the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, Walden Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival, Nuoro Jazz Festival, and Isole che Parlano Festival.
Introduced to the bağlamaat a young age, Ozan deepened his understanding of şelpethrough academic and practical pursuits. He earned a PhD from Istanbul Technical University’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Music (MIAM) and later conducted post-doctoral ethnographic research at SOAS University of London, exploring the London-based Alevi community, where bağlamaperformance plays a central role in their religious practices.
A participant in the OneBeat International Music Exchange Program in the USA, Ozan is also a member of the MEDINEA network (Mediterranean Incubator of Emerging Artists). With the MEDINEA Orchestra, led by acclaimed jazz saxophonist Fabrizio Cassol, Baysal collaborates as a performer and composer, bridging diverse Mediterranean and jazz traditions. Through Tel ve Ten, Ozan channels his deep love for şelpe into a dazzling debut that breathes fresh life into this age-old art form.
For further information please contact Amelia Zimmatore | amelia@arcmusic.co.uk | +44(0)1342 770478
ARC Music Productions Int Ltd, PO Box 111, East Grinstead, RH19 4FZ, UK | www.arcmusic.co.uk