Erkan Ogur worked in the Istanbul’s music scene, appearing in many studio recordings and concerts. Over the years, Erkan Ogur became a sought-after musician of leading musicians, played with numerous leading Turkish musicians in wide range of musical genres, as well as playing with internationally recognized jazz artists. He is well known, not only with his playing on fretless, e-bow, classical and electric guitar, but also his playing on several authentic Turkish stringed instruments such as “baglama” (lute) and cura. In late 1980s, Erkan lived in the United States for a year and toured, playing with different blues artists. In 1991, his focus switched to authentic instruments, especially kopuz (dede baglama) and cura.

With his first album, “Fretless", released in Germany in 1994, Erkan Ogur opened new dimensions in sound. Up until that point, his own sound could only be heard in small cafes of Istanbul and recordings of other musicians. In 1996, Erkan composed the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie “Eskiya” (The Bandit) which told a story of an-old time bandit from Eastern Anatolia and with this soundtrack, Erkan found international acknowledgment. Since 1998, Erkan has also brought new interpretations to Turkish traditional music, while remaining true to its essence and forms. In addition to his recordings with Ismail Hakki Demircioglu (“Anadolu Besik - Anatolia the Cradle”, “Gulun Kokusu Vardi - Rose had fragrance”), he has multiple albums. In one of them, “Hic – Nothing”, Erkan Ogur interprets music both from classical and folk domains with musicians such as Okan Murat Ozturk and Derya Turkan. Later, Erkan recorded “Fuad” with Armenian duduk master Djivan Gasparyan.

Ismail Hakki Demircioglu was born Pazar, Rize on the Black Sea coast of Turkey in 1957. He grew in Pazar and left for Istanbul to study in the Conservatory. In 1984, he completed his studies at National Conservatory in Istanbul, playing both traditional instruments such as saz and modern instruments such as bass guitar. He first joined Ruhi Ayangil Turkish Music Orchestra. Later, he was a member of prestigious Ruhi Su Chorus, led by folk musician Ruhi Su. His collaboration with Erkan Ogur started around 1988. They have been performing in concerts in and outside of Turkey and released two albums together: Demircioglu (“Anadolu Besik - Anatolia the Cradle”, “Gulun Kokusu Vardi - Rose had fragrance”). Ismail Hakki also released a solo album, “Nasip Olsa”, in 2004.

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