Berklee-Trained Drummer Kerem Seçkin Releases New Jazz EP: City Sketches

Berklee University trained musician Kerem Seçkin just dropped some big news — he’s releasing a new jazz EP called City Sketches. This four-track project is influenced by his time studying at Berklee College of Music and immersing himself in the musical scene of Boston.

Originally, City Sketches started as a collection of small musical snippets, but it quickly grew into a cohesive piece that captures different moments, feelings, and scenes from his life in the bustling city. The EP’s title perfectly sums it up, as it paints a picture of urban life, from the busy rhythm of the streets to quiet, contemplative moments.

Kerem Seçkin leads a talented international quintet on City Sketches, including Valerio Apuzzo on trumpet, Sen Yoshimura on alto saxophone, Leomar Cordero on piano, and Kapees Sukhavasi on bass. Together, they blend together improvisation with carefully crafted compositions.

In the four tracks on the EP – Illusions, Silver Linings, What I Hear, and Patience – Seçkin delves into modern jazz harmony while still honoring the traditions of the genre. For example, Silver Linings gives a subtle nod to Horace Silver’s harmonic style, and What I Hear takes inspiration from the legendary John Coltrane.

City Sketches is a beautiful mix of complex harmonies and a collaborative band sound, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into a pivotal time in Seçkin’s life. While he currently resides in Boston, Seçkin is gearing up for a move to Los Angeles, where he hopes to continue performing, recording, and producing music on an even larger scale.