Okan Ersan is internationally recognised for his unique approach to fusion, blending jazz, progressive rock, world music and Eastern Mediterranean influences with powerful electric guitar, complex rhythms and cinematic soundscapes. His music combines virtuosic improvisation, memorable melodies and adventurous compositions inspired by themes ranging from mythology to science and the cosmos.

Okan’s international career began in 2003 when he became a finalist in the prestigious Guitarist of the Year competition in Birmingham, UK. Since then, he has performed at major festivals including Leverkusener Jazztage, Penang Island Jazz Festival, Ingolstädter Jazztage, Aalener Jazzfestival, Kansas City Jazz Festival and Nanjing International Jazz & World Music Festival, sharing stages with artists including Al Di Meola, Robben Ford, Billy Paul, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Ernie Watts and Dave Weckl.

His recording career includes the albums To Whom It May Concern, A Reborn Journey featuring saxophone legend Ernie Watts, and the acclaimed concept album Nibiru, inspired by Sumerian mythology, quantum physics and deep space. The project was officially released by UNESCO Austria and featured during World Space Week. His recent releases include the singles One by One, You Must Believe in Spring, Suddenly, and Dillirga-ma, his fusion interpretation of a traditional Cypriot melody produced by Dave Weckl.

A Yamaha Guitars artist since 2002 and currently a PRS Guitars Artist, Okan brings together a world-class band for this special performance.

https://okanersan.com

Band line-up:
Okan Ersan – electric guitar
Jack Williams – piano & synthesiser
Joe Browne - Saxaphone
Giovanni Crescenzi – bass
Eric Ford – drums

Joe Browne

Joe Browne is a Southeast London-based saxophonist, composer and educator, and an established figure on the UK jazz and creative music scene. He has performed extensively at major jazz venues, concert halls and festivals across the UK and internationally. Joe co-leads Rage Against the Tagine, a London-based quartet blending contemporary jazz improvisation with North African and Levantine influences. He is also an Associate Educator with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Director of Jazz Education at Deal Music and Arts. He studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and Berklee College of Music with Julian Siegel, Dino Govoni and George Garzone.


Jack Williams

Jack Williams is an improviser and composer whose music combines adventurous jazz, contemporary classical and prog influences. His playing moves between complex rhythms, spontaneous improvisation, heavy polyrhythmic grooves and quieter, reflective moments, with a strong emphasis on chemistry and interaction in live performance. His work has received praise from acclaimed musicians including Gary Husband, who highlighted Jack’s creative approach to the music of Allan Holdsworth. His music is characterised by playful ideas, unexpected harmonies and a willingness to take risks in the moment.


Giovanni Crescenzi

Italian-born bass player Giovanni Crescenzi has been part of London’s vibrant musical scene for the last three years. He has performed extensively across Europe and Asia in a wide range of musical settings, from rock and jazz to large ensembles and international festivals. His collaborations include rock icon Ian Paice of Deep Purple and the Italian Jazz Orchestra. Giovanni has also performed and taught at major international music festivals including Umbria Jazz and Sapri Jazz Waves.


Eric Ford

Eric Ford has been resident in London since late 2006, following four years in Paris. He works across a wide spectrum of music and has performed around the globe, appearing on approximately 60 albums. He has played at iconic venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall, and worked with artists such as Ronnie Laws, Marc Almond, Clare Teal, the London Jazz Orchestra and Jason Rebello. Eric has also presented drum clinics in London and Beijing and has been a member of acclaimed contemporary jazz trio Partikel since 2009.

Together, the Okan Ersan Electric Band delivers an exciting journey through modern electric fusion — combining powerful grooves, intricate compositions, soaring guitar lines and spontaneous improvisation. Expect an evening of high-energy musicianship from five exceptional artists at the forefront of contemporary jazz fusion.