Sevde, a unique voice in the London Jazz scene, has just released her EP 'Güzergah', a soulful exploration of her journey from Istanbul to the UK. Bringing a unique blend of soulful sounds from her hometown and the vibrant jazz scene in London, Sevde's music is a captivating fusion of cultures and emotions.
As a violinist, Sevde strives to connect with her audience through her music, blending jazz phrases with melodies of the Sufi world. Her diverse influences, including Sevdaliza, Layth Sidiq, Michalis Kouloumis, and Joe Hisaishi, shine through in her work.
Having moved to the UK in 2016, Sevde found solace in music as she navigated the cultural shock and environmental differences. Her piano, violin, guitar, and Turkish flute skills, honed since childhood, became her tools for emotional expression.
Through her performances at venues like Ronnie Scott's, The Finsbury, GROW Hackney, and the Half Moon Putney, Sevde shared her vibrant music and connected with her audience.
'Güzergah' delves into Sevde's experiences of moving to the UK, translating the changes she felt into musical terms. Each track invites listeners to share in her emotional journey. 'Hasret', a powerful expression of frustration, reflects the helplessness felt in the face of global suffering. The improvised lines, unique to each performance, showcase raw emotion through strong violin strokes.
Elsewhere, 'Sultanım', a love letter to her past life in Istanbul, speaks of longing and nostalgia, while 'The Journey' evokes serenity amidst a whirlwind of emotions. It signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, emphasizing the importance of the journey itself over the destination. Sevde's re-recording of a piano composition written at age 10 adds a layer of serenity, while improvised lines express her emotions.
Recorded at ICMP with the support of friends, 'Güzergah' is a journey we all take - a journey of self-discovery and understanding how we cope with life's challenges.
As Sevde puts it, "My journey is portrayed through this EP. Emotive and heartfelt, the music connects people. Each piece makes you question your gratitude and grips you because of the intensity. It is a journey to look up to and feel the elegance within."
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