Jazz Articles about Başak Yavuz

Başak Yavuz: Promised Lands

by Scott Lichtman
June 9, 2024

Vocalist and composer Başak Yavuz is intense. The lyrics of “Promised Lands" state that “someone told me to release the animal," which is exactly she and her band do. Drums and electric bass propel a free jazz-like feel with tinges of James Brown, while the guitar and voice open by harmonizing a tight, descending harmony that sounds like “Chopsticks" gone awry. Yavuz's voice is elastic; her lyrics, evocative. When all this is combined, her music is attention-grabbing and catchy. Based ...