EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Spices From Istanbul
By: Natalie O'Donoghue Jul. 12, 2017
Tell us a bit about Meskhane - Spices from Istanbul.
Meskhane, a musical quartet born in Istanbul, weave magical melodies laced with improvisations creating different moods as the group flows from one feeling to another while trance-like rhythms accompany.
Meskhane play in their own style inspired by Ottoman and Gypsy culture. They take oriental melodies from traditional Turkish music with elements of jazz and classical music. The group comprises 4 musicians: Georgi Dimitrov - Kanun, Yann Le Glaz - Saxophone, Joachim Robert Hvid - Oud, and Stuart Dickson - Oriental Percussion. Each band member is from a different country, and met while living in Istanbul, where most of the group still live, soaking up the Istanbul vibe and furthering their musical passion. The group gives a storming performance which always leaves audiences asking for more.
Over the last few years Meskhane have played some important stages and prestigious festivals in Europe including Balka Barna in Barcelona and on several Bulgarian TV channels before playing the well known Studio 1 of the Bulgarian National Radio. The group has toured Europe many times while the individual members are busy with other successful projects which leaves only 8 days in August to play the Fringe.
Why bring it to Edinburgh?
One member of the group, Stuart Dickson, grew up in Glasgow and studied and worked in Edinburgh for many years before chucking his day job becoming a full time musician specialising in world music. So it was Stuart's idea to bring one of his groups to the Fringe. The Fringe, we hope, will be a good place to get our name out there in UK and a great opportunity to party.
What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?
We are unique. With members from Denmark, Bulgaria, France and Scotland playing Turkish makam based music - some people might call us an odd combo. All of us have spent many years living in Istanbul for the sole purpose of studying the music from this region. Turkey is an amazingly rich musical country. There's so many traditional instruments and styles you need a degree in ethnomusicology to keep up with it all. Arriving here, especially as a musician, you'll find that the average Turkish Joe, prefers to dance in odd rhythms whereas in the west we only know straight rhythms like the ones for blues, rock and pop. If you come to our show you'll see what we mean!
Who would you recommend comes to see you?
That's a funny question. Do you enjoy music and want to see something that you might never have heard before with a little sprinkling of magic?
Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?
To be honest I haven't looked to see what else is going on. I know some friends are performing in the Acoustic Music Centre. Just really looking forward to the good festival vibes.
Timings and ticket information for Spices From Istanbul can be found on the edfringe website.
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