NY Gypsy All-Stars ft. Hüsnü Şenlendirici

Join NY Gypsy All-Stars and world-renowned clarinetist Hüsnü Şenlendirici at Drom NYC on May 30 for an unforgettable night of soulful Balkan and Middle Eastern jazz, funk, and cross-cultural grooves.

NEW YORK GYPSY ALL-STARS

Comprised of classically-trained virtuosi coming from the world’s most prestigious music conservatories, the New York Gypsy All-Stars feel equally at home in traditional concert halls, jazz clubs and on festival stages. The quintet of musicians are celebrated for their sophisticated and high-octane mix of music ranging from swinging salsa to pulsing bhangra which never loses its sharp musical focus and astounding technical abilities embodying the true spirit of their Gypsy namesakes.

With their unique blend of virtuosity and showmanship, the New York Gypsy All-stars perform everything from traditional world music to their own compositions and arrangements which highlight their diverse cultural backgrounds. Performing together in what can only be described as chamber music making of the highest order, the group has performed hundreds of concerts in presentations as varied as their genre-bending artistry.

The New York Gypsy All-Stars appear regularly in North and South America, Asia, Australia and throughout Europe at the invitation of prestigious concert halls and festivals such as Daniel Barenboim’s new Boulez Saal in Berlin, Konzerthaus Dortmund, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, Odeon Ankara, Balkan Trafik Festival Brussels, Music Meeting Nijmegen, Masala Weltbeat Festival Hannover, Sommer in Lesmona, and many more.

The All-Stars also appear with symphony orchestras and made their symphonic debut with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, one of Europe’s leading orchestras. Since then, a significant part of their touring calendar is on the concert stage with symphony orchestras all around the world. Band Members: Ismail Lumanovski - Clarinet Website   Facebook Tamer Pinarbasi - Kanun Facebook Panagiotis Andreou - Bass Facebook   Twitter Engin Gunaydin - Drums Website   Facebook Marius van den Brink - Keyboards Facebook [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9pC91X6PDU&list=RDEMcFt0ndKb3H1vBI_S-t_nCA&start_radio=1[/embed] HÜSNÜ ŞENLENDİRİCİ

Born on July 12, 1976, in Bergama, İzmir, Hüsnü Şenlendirici is a world-renowned clarinet virtuoso raised in a family of musicians. His grandfather played both clarinet and trumpet, while his father, Ergün Şenlendirici, was also a celebrated trumpet player. Surrounded by the sounds of music, Hüsnü picked up the clarinet at the age of five and was deeply influenced by the musical traditions of the Aegean and Anatolia.

He studied at the Turkish Music State Conservatory of Istanbul Technical University but left after four years to pursue a professional career. A pivotal point came when he joined the Magnetic Band and began collaborating with master percussionist Okay Temiz. This partnership led to international tours where Hüsnü stunned audiences with his captivating solo performances and improvisational flair. His distinct command of the clarinet quickly earned him acclaim on the world stage.

In 1996, Hüsnü teamed up with the New York-based acid jazz collective Brooklyn Funk Essentials, forming the groundbreaking group Laço Tayfa. Their collaborative album In the Buzzbag fused Turkish folk with funk, jazz, and global sounds, drawing international attention. This project was followed by Hüsnü’s debut solo album Bergama Gaydası in 2000, released under Doublemoon Records. The album was later distributed internationally by Traditional Crossroads, expanding his global reach.

Throughout the 2000s, Hüsnü became a key figure in popularizing the G clarinet (sol klarnet), an instrument traditionally used in Turkish music. His work with ensembles like Laço Tayfa, his own group Saz Arkadaşları, and his genre-defying trio Taksim Trio (with bağlama master İsmail Tunçbilek and kanun virtuoso Aytaç Doğan) cemented his status as a trailblazer in contemporary world music.

He has performed at major festivals and venues around the globe, including Expo 2001 in Hannover, New York’s Central Park, the Istanbul Jazz Festival, and many more. In 2010, he collaborated with tabla legend Zakir Hussain in India, followed by a U.S. tour with the New York Gypsy All-Stars. This tour included stops at top cities and a guest appearance at Berklee College of Music, where he led workshops on Turkish music and modes.

Hüsnü’s discography includes ten albums, including Hüsn-ü Klarnet (2005), Hüsn-ü Hicaz (2011), and Hüsn-ü Avare (2015), each pushing the boundaries of Turkish and world music. He is celebrated for his unique ability to blend traditional Turkish melodies with jazz, funk, and classical influences—all delivered through the expressive voice of the clarinet.

A passionate ambassador of Turkish music, Hüsnü Şenlendirici continues to inspire audiences around the world with his soul-stirring performances and innovative musical vision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lITK1pWM-LY