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Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions: Mahalle
Ilhan Ersahin
Label: Nublu
Released: 2026
Duration: 59:59:59
Views: 51
Tracks
● A1. Yedi Tepe / USA2B2515298 ● A2. Asmalı / USA2B2515299 ● A3. Galata / USA2B2515300 ● A4. Haliç / USA2B2515301 ● B1. Tünel / USA2B2515302 ● B2. Karaköy / USA2B2515303 ● B3. Odakule / USA2B2515304 ● B4. Tersane / USA2B2515305
Personnel
Ilhan Ersahin
saxophoneAlbum Description
Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions announce their highly anticipated sixth studio album, "Mahalle," set for release January 16, 2026 via Nublu Records. The new work represents the band's most cinematic offering yet, guiding listeners through a sonic exploration of Istanbul's diverse neighborhoods where tradition meets innovation and the ancient pulse of the city merges with contemporary rhythms. Frontman Ilhan Ersahin, one of the rare moguls of the New York City underground scene through his influential club and record label Nublu, has spread his New York energy throughout the world. Whether jamming with The Red Hot Chili Peppers in São Paulo, featuring Bugge Wesseltoft at Blue Note Tokyo, or performing elegant oriental sets with Turkish gypsies in European concert halls, Ersahin continues to transcend musical boundaries with masterful eclecticism. "Mahalle" – the Turkish word for neighborhood – captures the essence of Istanbul Sessions' genre- crossing artistry. Since 2008, the band has ignited stages across the globe from New York to Istanbul, Paris to São Paulo, London to Skopje, posing questions that challenge musical categorization: Is this really jazz? Doesn't this sound like a rock band? Their electrifying performances represent master-level musicianship meeting high eclecticism, where the often-clichéd "east-to-west crossover" finds its true sense and power. The album unfolds as a carefully orchestrated cinematic journey. Album pre-orders launch October 3rd via Bandcamp Friday, accompanied by "Galata," the first glimpse into this new musical territory. A phased release strategy follows with the digital 45 series beginning October 14th with "Galata/Karaköy," capturing the essence of Istanbul's historic districts where the Golden Horn separates ancient and modern. The second digital single, "Yeditepe/Asmalı," arrives December 2nd, navigating from the city's legendary seven hills to intimate cobblestone streets. Istanbul Sessions have built an impressive discography since their 2009 debut featuring French trumpeter Erik Truffaz. "Night Rider" (2012) perfectly reflected their genuine sound between dance music and free-form jazz flavored with ethnic spices. Their third release, "Istanbul Underground" (2015), captured the nightlife of the never-sleeping metropolis and was widely regarded as their finest studio production. "Solar Plexus" (2017), co-produced by Dave Harrington (Darkside) and featuring an all-star cast including Ibrahim Maalouf, Arto Tunçboyacıyan, Nils-Petter Molvær, and Erik Truffaz, pushed 21st century music into uncharted eclectic territory. Their post-pandemic 2021 release "Bir Zamanlar Şimdi" was produced by Grammy-winning Italian producer Tommaso Colliva. "Mahalle" continues this trajectory of innovation, inviting listeners into Istanbul's quarters where each track serves as a sonic passport through neighborhoods that pulse with cinematic rhythms. This is music that transcends borders and atmospheres, where the power of creativity knows no limits.
Album uploaded by Will Sumsuch
