Mehmet Polat is renowned for his adventurous approach of the ud, the Middle Eastern lute. With his new band he presents compositions in unusual odd meters. This leads to refreshing new music with similarities to folk traditions from all over the world, combined with the freedom of contemporary jazz. This June the band will release its new album, Embodied Poetry.

Mehmet Polat, born in Turkey and living in Amsterdam, is internationally recognized as an innovator of the ud. He increased the range of the instrument by adding two bass strings. With his roots firmly planted in Anatolian folk music and Ottoman classical music, Polat explores styles and traditions from all over the world in his compositions. In his new quartet, pianist Mike Roelofs enhances the harmonies and melodies, while double bassist Daniel van Huffelen  and drummer Martin Hafizi provide the rhythmic fundament.

Mehmet Polat ud, Mike Roelofs piano, Daniel van Huffelen double bass, Martin Hafizi drums