From Album: Ayhan Sicimoglu: Friends & Family

Genuine traditional Cuban music seasoned with jazz and reggae played by superb musicians featuring top-quality arrangements in this spectacular blend of unique Latino classics. The exquisitely revised interpretations of old classics are the highlight of this album, which provides us with a full hour of sheer joy and happiness. - Claude Challe

Ayhan Sicimoğlu's album 'Friends & Family' is a splendid collective effort of the performers featured on the album's 11 tracks. Colorful authentic compositions as well as old favorites like 'Historia de Un Amor and 'Esperare' reveal new depths and meaning as they come to life when played by these 25 talented musicians.

Jazz musician, Fahir Atakoğlu’s scintillating arrangements and jazz pianist Aydın Esen’s intriguing harmonies and techniques infuse the album with texture and warmth. While popular Turkish artist, Özkan Uğur Ahi Nama Kaynana sings in Spanish, gypsy percussionist Balık Ayhan and Ayhan Sicimoğlu perform a duello. Spanish composer Rodrigo Rodriguez raps over Amik Guerra’s breathtaking arrangements and on ‘Samba Batuca’ Balık Ayhan and crew cross paths with Turkish Folk Music artist Nurcan. The album also features Cuban trumpet player Amik Abdel Guerra Ling Ling, Peruvian Cesar Correa and one genuine family member, Ayhan Sicimoğlu’s daughter, the sensational soprano Ayşe Sicimoglu.

- Amik Guerra
Trompet, Flugelhorn
- Aydın Esen
Piyano ve Tuşlu Çalgılar, Vokal, Synth Bas Gitar, Davul
- Ayhan Sicimoğlu
Perküsyonlar, Bongos&Campana, Chekere, Congas, Tumbadora, Perkusyon Programlama, Labarda, Vokal
- Ayşe Sicimoğlu
Vokal
- Balık Ayhan
Darbuka, Hollo, Kenar, Yanaklar, Gerdan, Labarba
- Banu Birkan
Vokal
- Bulut Gülen
Trombon
- Cesar Correa
Klavye
- Eylem Pelit
Bas
- Eyüp Hamiş
Zurna
- Fahir Atakoğlu
Piano, Yaylı Synth
- Gözde Gülşen
Çello
- Jozi Levi
Brezilya Perküsyonu
- Metin Ulucan
Trombon
- Mirkelam
Vokal
- Rodrigo Rodriuges
Rap& Vokal, Congas, Timbal, Tambora&Guiro
- Serhan Erkol
Bariton Sax
- Shango Ayhan
Keman, Ses
- Toygun Sözen
Tenor, Alto Sax
- Uğur Yücel
Surdu
- Uğurcan Sezen
Klavye, Synth Bas
- Volkan Oktem
Davul
- Zeynep Arabacıoğlu Özbilen
Vokal