The Genç Caz+ (Young Jazz+) bands Dandefuse, Efe Erdem Quintet, Füniküler, One Two Trio, Teselli, and Time Circle took to the stage at the 33rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, held from 30 June to 13 July with the sponsorship of Garanti BBVA, and joined forces to record an album.
The bands performed at the festival's Jazz in the Parks events across various neighbourhoods of Istanbul and recorded their original compositions for the Genç Caz+ 26 album. This year's Genç Caz+ programme was made possible with the support of Rönesans Gayrimenkul, which joined İKSV as its New Stage Partner.
Dandefuse
Formed in Ankara in 2025 by members of the METU Jazz Society and students of the Jazz Department at Hacettepe Conservatory, Dandefuse is a six-piece modern jazz and fusion ensemble. Featuring Seçkin Eroğlu on bass guitar, Levent Demirci on electric guitar, Buğra Yazıcı on flugelhorn, Eren Gürbüz on alto saxophone, Hakan Çakıcı on keyboards, and Ertuğrul Güner on drums, the band brings together a diverse range of modern jazz and fusion sounds through its original compositions.
Efe Erdem Quintet
An energetic ensemble of five young musicians trained at the Jazz Department of Istanbul University State Conservatory, Efe Erdem Quintet is led by vocalist Efe Erdem, alongside Güneş Sungur on double bass, Kuzey Güden on drums, Tuğrul Kaan Gezgin on saxophone, and Yusuf Çebe on piano. Blending modern jazz compositions and classic standards with Turkish-language lyrics, the quintet also brings its own original material to the repertoire. Drawing inspiration from funk rhythms, the band delivers a vibrant, dynamic sound full of energy and character.
Füniküler
Featuring Özgü Dündar on vocals, Doğa Toparlak on trombone and backing vocals, Ozan Güler on piano, Habib Haznedar on bass guitar, and Abdullah Örs on drums, Füniküler draws inspiration from jazz, Anatolian music, and Latin rhythms. At the heart of the band's musical vision lies a desire to bridge East and West, bringing together influences from different eras and traditions. Combining intricate rhythmic structures with a groove-driven sensibility, Füniküler explores a distinctly progressive musical direction.
One Two Trio
One Two Trio is a young jazz ensemble featuring Saim Mert Sarıçalı on piano, Güneş Sungur on double bass, and Hurşit Efe Köroğlu on drums. Rooted in attentive listening and a shared sense of musical space, the trio approaches both original compositions and jazz standards through spontaneous improvisation, allowing each performance to take shape in the moment. Their sound is defined by a strong musical dialogue and a fluid approach that moves freely between different styles.
Teselli
Teselli is a four-piece jazz ensemble formed by students of Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory. Featuring Yağmur Yılmazlar on vocals, Anıl Koçak on piano, Ulaş Özdemir on double bass, and Selami Baysal on drums, the group places improvisation and jazz at the heart of its original compositions, offering fresh interpretations of familiar stories. Drawing on their shared musical background and artistic sensibilities, the musicians seek to explore familiar emotions from unexpected perspectives.
Time Circle
Time Circle is a jazz ensemble formed by musicians who came together through the Genç Caz+ programme. The trio features Ulaş Özdemir on double bass and vocals, a student of the Jazz Department at Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory; Batu Özcan on drums and percussion, a student at Bilkent University's Faculty of Music and Performing Arts; and Ceren Çokdeğerli on piano, who studies jazz piano at Bahçeşehir University.
