ISTANBUL

American jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn performed as part of the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV).

Horn told Anadolu that she received a warm welcome when she performed Monday at the Swissotel The Bosphorus Sultan Park.

"This is my first time in Türkiye. I haven’t had the chance to fully absorb Turkish culture, but based on what I’ve experienced so far, everyone seems really nice," said Horn.

The vocalist said her setlist included songs from her latest album, Messages, such as Free Your Mind, Submit to the Unknown and Don’t Forget Your Love.

“Most of the songs are about love and taking care of yourself. I'm a mother, so sometimes it’s hard for me to take care of myself. Being a musician, traveling, and doing all these things at once is tough -- I tried to reflect that message in my music. I think it’s really important not to forget yourself or the love within you. I keep a positive mindset, so I’m very hopeful. I truly hope everything goes well, and I’m very excited about it," she said. ​​​​​​​

“Jazz is a culture, a way of life,” said Horn, who underlined that young people who want to be music writers or composers must take it seriously. “If you want to be a surgeon, you have to go to school and learn how to be one -- otherwise you can’t perform surgery. It’s the same with jazz: it’s a culture, a way of life. You really have to work at it; it’s not something you can just wake up one day and know. But if you believe in it mentally, you can succeed. If you think you can’t, then you won’t.”

Horn shared work during her performance that enriched the traditional building blocks of music with modern themes and styles.

Known as one of the innovative names in jazz with her vocals and compositions, the award-winning and three-time Grammy-nominated artist impressed the audience with her sense of rhythm and vocal range.

She also drew attention with her colorful outfits and accessories that reflected her roots.

She was accompanied by Joel Holmes on piano, Ameen Saleem on bass and Ryan Sands on drums.

The Istanbul Jazz Festival runs through July 17.