Cenk Tezil – Finding Music in the Unknown

Cenk’s entry into the jam is both intuitive and exploratory. He starts with his left foot pounding bass notes, laying the harmonic groundwork before gradually introducing chords. As the piece unfolds, he transitions from sustained harmonies to intricate melodies, shaping the jam’s harmonic movement. This prevents the improvisation from becoming stagnant, transforming it from a one-chord vamp into a dynamic, evolving progression.

What makes Cenk’s performance even more remarkable is his complete unfamiliarity with the B3 Hammond Organ. With no time to figure out the instrument’s mechanics, he improvises his way through, learning its quirks mid-performance. The result? A fascinatingly unconventional approach—at times, playing with his hands crossed due to his unawareness of octave adjustments. This unfiltered, instinct-driven playing creates an organic energy that is both fresh and unpredictable. Bass notes, harmonies, and melodies spill out simultaneously, embodying the spirit of the jam.