Okay Temiz

Born in 1939, in Istanbul, the percussionist Okay Temiz has been deeply involved in music since his early years. He was first inspired by his mother, Naciye Temiz, who had gone through classical Turkish music education. With her support, he started taking percussion and tympanum courses at the State Conservatoire of Classical Music in Ankara. Launching his professional musical career in 1955, Temiz continued his studies at the Tophane Art Institute, where he gained the musical knowledge and skills that allowed him create his own drum -- a drum with a unique sound and features entirely different from conventional ones.

Between the years 1959 and 1967, Okay Temiz performed in several programs and shows, accompanying dance music groups in Turkey. In 1967, he joined Ulvi Temel’s group and appeared in some of the most outstanding music halls in Europe. In Sweden he met trumpeter Maffy Falay, whose artistry in improvised music had a strong impact on Temiz. The two formed the group called Sevda and were highly acclaimed for their fusion of Turkish folk melodies with western jazz. In the years that followed, Temiz provided a prismatic musical palette to the Stockholm radio channels and the symphonic orchestra, adding new sonic colors as a percussionist.

Temiz is back in Istanbul, and you can see him play at Nardis Jazz Club on Monday, November 25th.