Frontman and driving force behind New York’s acclaimed Club Nublu and Nublu Records, the Swedish-Turkish musician İlhan Erşahin returns with the first ‘digital 45’ from his Istanbul Sessions outfit’s sixth album (due in Jan 2026). A two-header of evocative instrumental grooves that blurs the lines between jazz, rock and worldly funkiness, we are delighted to premiere one of the tracks from this first teaser - the instantly addictive cheek of ‘Karaköy’.

Stockholm, NYC, São Paulo, Tokyo and the many great cities that Erşahin has performed and collaborated in with his various musical projects all share a bristling creative dynamism and it is (unsurprisingly) the energy of Istanbul that serves as the inspiration for this particular group of players. Their forthcoming album ‘Mahalle’ is packed full of tracks dedicated to the different neighbourhoods of the Turkish capital. In fact, the title translates as neighbourhood in English and ‘Karaköy’, the song premiered here is as bright and funky as the historic harbourside area where the hip, arty crowd rub shoulders with the ancient traditions of the city.

Oddly enough, to my ears, there’s a trace of another great city weaving through this irresistible composition, London. The loose-limbed drums and outrageously bouncy bassline remind me of Ben Brown’s Waaju outfit and Erşahin’s languid saxophone moves from a modal sexy-cool to a vibrational tone that hints at Alabaster dePlume. Enough of the comparisons, this is a wicked piece of music that deserves your repeated listening time and makes me want to visit the district itself if it feels anything like this song makes me feel.

‘Galata / Karaköy’ - Released on digital only - Oct 14th 2025

‘Galata / Karaköy’ - Released on 7” vinyl - Dec 3rd 2025