“Minor Empire addresses Turkish roots in an entrancing musical project.

Ozman’s exceptional emotional expression becomes a language unto itself.”

 Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal 

 

 "The ineffable quality of Ozgu’s voice at the center of each song is the jewel from which the band radiates. Her charisma at center stage is both becalming and insurrectionary as the stream of her breathy voice urges the band and audience into deep feelings of longing and tranquility. Inspiration galore will be provided by this young and innovative group of master players.” 

Paul Corby, Roots Music Canada 

 

“The album is a perfect symbiosis between the Turkish traditional elements and the contemporary jazz and electronic sounds. What I like so much is the authentic atmosphere the music breaths, but it’s modern sound at the same time. It’s tradition from a new generation, perfectly arranged, highest quality and an exciting collaboration between professional musicians. ..the album is like a concept record, all compositions have their own atmosphere but are connected at the same time, they form a natural completeness. A dream debut!”

Eelco Schilder, Folk World

 

 ”East and West connect in Minor Empire’s sad songs. The result rocks. Minor Empire’s sound is simultaneously ancient and modern, happy and sad—and perfectly suited to the folk-festival stages.” 

Alexander Varty, Georgia Straight

 

“With their unusual sound it is hard not to notice the sound of Minor Empire. The result of the modern and tradition mixing is a fluid fusion of ambience, rhythm and beat with a distinct worldly vibe.” 

Banff Crag and Canyon 

 

“..among the best I’ve heard lately. Ozan Boz touches no world music soup, he creates a dynamic virtuosity and masters the balance between electronic and acoustic instruments. Be sure to listen!”

Holger Brandstaedt, Folk World 

 

“Flashing a polished, sophisticated sound, this Toronto-based group coaxes both Western and Turkish music into a delicious dance that is both fresh and stylishly hip. Deeply exotic, Second Nature moves effortlessly through 14 evocative tracks fashioned out of ripe Turkish hues and moody Western atmospheric landscapes. Bold, expertly worked and voluptuous, Second Nature will surely have world music fans clamoring for the next installment from Minor Empire.”

TJ Nelson, World Music Central 

 

 ”This group of talented musicians have a deep understanding of what is takes to create dreamy and cinematic textures that unfold with a seeming simplicity. You hear it in the pure and sinuous vocals of Ozman, and in the percussion that simmers with delicious intensity without ever quite reaching a boil. Nor, it should be pointed out, does it need to. “

Li Robbins, Songlines 

 

“The captivating voice you hear on the CD “Second Nature” belongs to Ozgu Ozman, the lead singer with Minor Empire. I love how their sound blurs the lines between electronic and traditional Turkish music. I like how textured and trippy it is, and I especially like the guitars on this album – ominous and psychedelic.”

Errol Nazareth, CBC Radio One 

 

“All my initial scepticism immediately disintegrated with the first track of Minor Empire’s debut release “Second Nature.” No second rate bad world music here. Leader/electric guitarist/programming guru Ozan Boz has carefully eliminated any such occurrences with his careful combinations of Western pop sounds, jazz improvisations, and Turkish traditional music and his superb arrangements. The result is a smart band creating intriguing sounds and melodies set to a backdrop of funky beats. Ozman’s sultry vocals weave effortlessly through a tapestry of musical influences. “

Tiina Kiik, The WholeNote 

 

“Minor Empire’s debut concert was an impressive affair all around. Musically sophisticated and well-played they also demonstrated their ability to draw the community and a broader audience together, celebrating their CD release to a full house at Lula Lounge. ”

Alan Davis, Small World Music Society

 

“Second Nature is a unique record that calms you while suggesting ecstatic possibilities in the blending of blazing muscular electric virtuosity within the echoes of ancient exotic sultanates.”

Paul Corby, Corby’s Orbit

 

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