Veli Mert is a drummer and recording artist who made his professional solo recording debut in 2020 with a cover of the classic “George’s Dilemma” by trumpeter and composer, Clifford Brown. That track introduced a visionary performer and arranger from Turkey with an eclectic sound. He pairs the classical Middle Eastern melodies of his youth with the American jazz music he has come to love.

The versatile musician spent his teen years studying the drums and playing in a series of bands. Later he would attend university where his love of jazz music flourished. He studied piano as well as drums and dove deeply into the musical world of be-bop legends like Miles Davis.

For his latest single, Veli Mert interprets the Ornette Coleman composition “Lonely Woman”, released worldwide via all major streaming services on November 16, 2022. On the recording Mert is joined by South African drummer Eli Mary and Polish bassist Maciek Szczyciński. The trio delivers a faithful in style but unique in arrangement rendition of the 1959 classic. 

Mert is in the driver’s seat, spinning a seamless foundation of syncopated wizardry.  Maciek’s double bass joins Eli’s piano in masterfully reinterpreting the melodic interplay of the saxophone/trumpet original. Later in the track, Veli takes center stage for a solo that pops with energy.

Check out “Lonely Woman” below. You can also hear the track on the Deep Indie Chill playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Veli Mert. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this exciting new talent.