Global Hit: Taksim Trio

We end today’s program with music from Turkey’s Taksim Trio. Taksim is the name of a busy square in the heart of Istanbul.

That city is home to the Trio.

But Taksim is also a Turkish musical term. It means “to improvise.” And that’s exactly what the members of Taksim Trio like to do.

SENLENDIRICI: “It’s like jazz, heavy jazz influences, because we are improvising on stage. This is the Turkish color of jazz.”

That’s Trio member Husnu Senlendirici. He’s well-known in Turkey as a master clarinet player. The other two members of the Taksim Trio play Turkish traditional instruments.

The musicians got together after starting out on their own — and they still continue to perform solo work.

But Senlendirici says performing as a Trio is a different experience.

SENLENDIRICI: “We each have different projects and journeys, but when we come together it’s more than just the three of us. We combine to make a stronger unit. It’s like praying to God. Because, you know, God gave us this talent. So while we’re playing, we’re thanking God as well.

The Taksim Trio recently released a self-titled CD.