Behsat Üvez

(Ankara, 1959) sings and plays traditional Turkish music, but likes to make outings to jazz and improvised music. In Turkey Üvez played for years with various dancing groups and orchestras, like the Ankara State Ensemble, before coming to the Netherland in 1989. He plays traditional Turkish string instruments like the baglama (or saz), cura, tar, cümbüs and ud, in addition to various percussion instruments. Üvez is not only a great expert in Turkish music, but also in other mediterranean rhythms like Balkan music. He plays in various ensembles and together with clarinettist Steven Kamperman founded the ensemble Barana & Co, mixing Turkish sounds with jazz, world music and improvisation. Üvez is a teacher of music in Groningen and Hoogezand and gives music workshops on a regular basis.