In Turkey, Birgun’s Sevin Okyay writes, “We witnessed the formation of a musician.”
Sixteen-year-old jazz pianist Hakan Başar took his place on digital platforms with a single one year after his debut album “On Top of the Roof”. The two he played together, two legendary names: Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Will Kennedy (drums) of Yellowjackets. The third person with a lot of salt in the soup is Martin Hummel, the founder of Ubuntu Music, who launched his first album and encouraged his young musician with his sincere presentation before the concert at the London Jazz Festival. Accompanying him are master jazz players, producer İzzet Öz. Of course, we do not forget his father Hakan, Sr., who is still a busy musician.
It was Başar, who reminded me of when the single would be released anyway. Although I could not make it to the day, you know, our BirDay is Tuesday, but of course I did not jump. Don't say we haven't heard. Our young pianist's first single, Hub Art Special Edition, was released on October 16!
Hakan Başar, Sr., with his full name, Hakan Fahrettin Başar, was quite surprised when I asked him for written material support. He reminded me that we listened to Hakan at his first concerts when he was 10 years old. It is true that the child is born into our hands. Not just mine, but anyone interested in music and jazz. “You also remember when he appeared on stage in a sweater,” he said. I remember, yes, he took his place at the İKSV Jazz Festival's program explanation meetings with his smiling face at the beginning of his piano.
Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy are delighted with him. Considering that only six years have passed since Hakan, who has been playing the piano since the age of eight, it has been only six years since his first concert, it is impossible to disagree with those who find the definition of “genius” suitable for Hakan. A very talented, hardworking musician who does everything deemed suitable for him without any objection, which is worth the weight of gold. Haslip thinks that the “Hub Art” project frames the beauty of his performance and compositions. Will Kennedy said, "With Hakan's hands, the vitality and spirit behind him, he gives us confidence for the future."
He played to a large and enthusiastic audience at the London Jazz Festival last year. Recently, he had the privilege of meeting master artists such as Chick Corea, Ron Carter and Eddie Gomez or attending their workshops. Martin Hummel thinks they can expect much more from him. “Hakan is a really talented artist and a very special person. We love it! "
In an interview with him in September, Işıl Çalışkan asked what it was like to find herself in the world of music at a young age. "I didn't understand much at first," said Hakan. "Dates were given, preparations were made and it was said" Let's go "." It is understood that he found this period quite entertaining. “Then, after a year full of recordings and a long hiatus, I start to feel that I am in the industry with the Akbank Sanat concert on May 22, 2019, where we played with Ferit Odman and Halil Çağlar Serin and the producer of the album Martin Hummel came and announced the agreement. 2020 started with concerts. Although he could not continue that way, but the online Ankara Jazz Festival and Radyo Boğaziçi are pleased with the nomination of Jazz Musician of the Year. Not to mention domestic and international radio programs. “The latest development is Jean-Pierre Leduc '
But the most important thing for him is that many experienced jazz artists, especially his father, who quit active music for his son and rush to his business, trust him and give him a chance. Domestic and foreign concerts are full, the reviews are positive. We are dealing with a young but responsible musician who has paid off his trust.
Good luck, Hakan! Yes, we actually remember her wearing a sweater on the stage. How happy we are. We witnessed the formation of a musician.