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FENOMEN

Jazz Rock/Fusion • Turkey


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Fenomen biography
Hailing from Istanbul/Turkey FENOMEN came into existence in 2003. The initial band members were Ismail Soyberk (bass), guitarist Baris Bölükbasi, Mert Topel (synthesizers), drummer Bülent Ay and Serdar Barcin (saxophone). Several changes on the sax occured until the band recorded the debut album 'Fenomen' in 2006, which was released on Kalan Music. Later guest sax player Ümit Onartan joined as a steady member.

Individually the five musicians are very popular in Turkey and altogether play sophisticated jazz rock respectively fusion styled songs coupled with some native elements here and there. The band gave many performances at diverse Istanbul clubs and participated at several jazz festivals. FENOMEN are still working on new compositions for concerts and a second album.

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FENOMEN discography


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3.97 | 18 ratings
Fenomen
2006

FENOMEN Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

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FENOMEN Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Fenomen by FENOMEN album cover Studio Album, 2006
3.97 | 18 ratings

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Fenomen
Fenomen Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

3 stars 3.5 stars. FENOMEN are a four piece Jazz band out of Turkey who released this album back in 2006. They have since become a five piece and released another studio album in 2018 called "Bridges". When I think of this nation musically I will always think of SIDDHARTHA and that classic 1998 release that I consider myself very fortunate to own. Got it before that band was on this site. Turkey isn't exactly a land of freedom and when your government's best friends are Russia and Iran well I'm thankful I live nowhere near there. So no there's not a lot of bands listed on this site from Turkey and the majority of those who are are Psychedelic bands. A couple of other bands I'm big on from Turkey are GEVENDE and NEMRUD. Jazz seems to be rare from that country and these guys have a following there because of that and they are excellent musicians too. There's up to 14 guests on here adding lots of horns, strings plus classical guitar, vocals and more.

I really feel that this album is front loaded big time with the first four tracks being my favourites and feeling like it goes downhill(when it comes to my tastes) after that. So impressed with that rhythm section and heaviness early on before the guest horns and strings arrive. Yes I'm thinking easily 4 stars after those 4 songs but then things change style-wise and with all the guests on here suddenly becoming more prominent. There are a couple of ethnic instruments used on "A Sea View From Datca" but other than that you wouldn't know they were from this area of the World. Again though those first four tracks are so impressive with the power on display especially from the rhythm section but the guitar certainly lights up the proceedings before being more in that Jazz style later.

Most seem to love this album so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

 Fenomen by FENOMEN album cover Studio Album, 2006
3.97 | 18 ratings

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Fenomen
Fenomen Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Pieromcdo

5 stars Wow a Other extremely good surprise from Turkish . this music totally different at all level its just like they here one song of Jazz and create a new ,beautiful Album this is there first but am waiting for more of this fresh innovative ,progressive Jazz The have a name that is made for them Phenomena ( looking for music [email protected] )Usually I have a problem with kind of big bands sound Trombone kind but they manage to have part of that improve the songs over all No doubt this is rare quality jazz in every aspect This is for the smooth side of jazz a must have
 Fenomen by FENOMEN album cover Studio Album, 2006
3.97 | 18 ratings

BUY
Fenomen
Fenomen Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by antonyus

5 stars Turkish Delight for sure !!! Great, stunnining music, superb compositions. It's a really unique blend of jazz fusion. The songwriting is varied and inspired, musicianship is outstanding, the result is a masterpiece to me. All tracks are fine and well played, superb and very fresh sound. Ismail Soyberk is one the most important bass player in Turkey and he was contribute many success project. Talented keyboard player Mert Topel is well known as psychedelic space rock Nemrud's member and his magnificent inputs makes album memorable. All in all i recommend this one not only for jazz-fusion fans, but to every one who enjoy musical skills at the highest level.One of the top bands from jazz fusion and one highly aclaimed by any serious prog listener. This album will stands in the future...recommended , one of the most acomlished albums. 5 stars without hesitation and one of my fav albums ever from prog music.
 Fenomen by FENOMEN album cover Studio Album, 2006
3.97 | 18 ratings

BUY
Fenomen
Fenomen Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Rivertree
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Band Submissions

4 stars This is a prolific album, rich of variety, worked out by a band named FENOMEN - completely new to me. They are from Istanbul and every member is wellknown right there when it comes to the Turkish jazz music scene. Thus variety also means that some die-hard prog purists may put a veto here and there - for me though it doesn't matter a bit. All ten songs, which were selected for their debut, are clocking between five and seven minutes, have much to offer. Pleasant to listen - you bet! I'm quite sure Ismail Soyberk - constantly juggling between fretless and regular bass - keeps things in hand in some way here. If needed he cares for the funky drive together with Bülent Ay, whose drum work is worth listening too.

As for the interplay they are acting like a longtime collective. Vocals are rarely placed - so much the more they make use of diverse wind instruments generously. So when trying to underscore some quintessential examples, probably Forever should be mentioned - a composition blending fine jazz pop, in the vein of Incognito maybe, as well as jazz rock which meets prog standards. What strikes is Levent Altindag's flute ... and Mert Topel adds a lively synth solo in between when the whole bands enters into a funky passage.

Now the tricky fusion track Indigo is my album highlight, simply fantastic! Reminding me of the early Return To Forever in some way, dynamic and groovy provided with several twists and turns. Irresistible - guitarist Baris Bölükbasi acts on the same level with the likes of Allan Holdsworth or John McLaughlin. And the melancholic A Sea View From Datça has a lot to offer - acoustic guitar with Mahavishnu Orchestra reminiscences, interesting vocals and string ensemble additions plus native impressions coming from Turkish drums and duduk.

Finally just let me say that FENOMENS's debut is a really entertaining piece of work, provided with a surprising bandwith and nice melodies, technically flawless on top of it. Well, with that said, I come to a rare conclusion: ideally suited to bring jazz/funk/soul fans closer to progressive jazz rock/fusion. Should be part of a prog fan's well sorted music collection. This CD entered my player most of all during the last weeks ... deep respect!

Thanks to rivertree for the artist addition.

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