Galata/Karaköy by lhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions

Issued on New York's 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. A phased release strategy follows with beginning in October 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 in December, navigating from the city's legendary seven hills to intimate cobblestone streets.

lhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions - Galata / Karaköy
Release Date October 2025
Label Nublu Records

Tracklist
1. lhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions - Galata
2. lhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions - Karaköy