Jazz Kissa Trio Debut

Jazz Kissa Trio, A Renewal Space.

First, the name. It harks back to the Japanese jazu kissa (= jazz café) coffee shops or bars of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s where gathering and listening to jazz recordings was the thing, some more strictly so than others. This tradition has since expanded from the east to the west, from northern to southern lands. And now, in our very own South Carolina, the Jazz Kissa Trio brings to life in its own way, many a classic tune from the Great American Songbook.

Second, the concept. It arose from both a passion for the genre and a wish to honor a loss, one year ago on February 21, 2022. Bernard Michael Schutzman, psychiatrist, marine, spouse and father, was a great aficionado of the Great American Songbook. “If you can walk out humming the tune…” he would say. These living timeless tunes are for you, Dad.

Third, the cat approved cats.

On the bass… Oǧuz Gel is a budding jazz player who from the age of 15 has engaged with music in varied settings. A published author, radio and TV personality, Oǧuz holds a BA in mechanical engineering and an MA in economic theory.

On the piano… Kevin Flannery comes from a musical family and has played music of all kinds over the years, developing a unique affinity for the ensemble milieu. A retired IT professional with a Ph.D. in computer science, Kevin is also a long distance runner who has completed over 20 marathons in various states of the Union.

On the drums… İlker Işıkyakar, founder of the Jazz Kissa Trio, is a composer, performer, music producer, and experimentalist who earned a degree in music production and sound engineering at Berklee College of Music. He also holds a BA in civil engineering and MA in city planning.

As for location: This members-only event will take place on February 10th (6 – 9 pm ET) at the Windermere Club, 1101 Longtown Road East, Blythewood, South Carolina.