BIOGRAPHY
Ilhan Saferali, an acclaimed young jazz musician, has swiftly garnered widespread recognition within New York City’s vibrant jazz scene and has caught the attention of numerous jazz greats. Proficient in both trumpet and piano, Ilhan has achieved remarkable success early in his career. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ilhan began playing the piano at age four after being inspired by the artistry and musicianship of pianist Ruben Gonzales in the movie Buena Vista Social Club. Ilhan continued his piano training and began playing the trumpet at age nine. By age fifteen, Ilhan was already an emerging name on the Canadian Jazz Scene. During his high school years, Ilhan became a high-achieving musician, having won awards from The Royal Conservatory Of Music, Bucharest International Jazz Competition, Berklee College Of Music, Kiwanis Jazz Festival, MusicFest Canada, TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, British Columbia Music Educator’s Association, The Fraser MacPherson Jazz fund and others.
After graduating high school, Ilhan relocated to New York City to establish himself as an artist and pursue studies at The New School’s prestigious jazz program. His musical style is rooted in straight-ahead bop, drawing influences from artists such as Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and others. To hone his craft, Ilhan has studied under esteemed jazz legends including Reggie Workman, Buster Williams, Jimmy Owens, Emmet Cohen, and Jean-Michel Pilc. His talent has earned him recognition from some of the most respected names in jazz, leading to opportunities of sharing the stage alongside legends like Kamasi Washington, George Coleman, Johnny O’Neal, and Joe Farnsworth.
Ilhan is also a sought-after session musician, having recorded for hip hop artist A$AP Rocky, alternative rock band The Rare Americans, and two-time JUNO award-winning vocalist Caity Gyorgy. As a performer, Ilhan has performed at stages of world-renowned jazz venues and festivals, including Frankie’s Jazz Club in Vancouver, Nublu, Zinc Bar, and Smalls Jazz Club in New York City, The Jazz Bistro in Toronto, and The Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Currently, he is focused on refining his skills, composing music, performing at local jazz clubs and venues in New York City, and solidifying his position in the city’s jazz community. You can find Ilhan performing as a band leader, as well as a member of legendary bassist Gene Perla’s newest project, “Tiger Quartet”.