Meet Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol: Composer, Multi-instrumentalist, and Musical Innovator
We are thrilled to kick off our new interview series, “Burning Questions with TAO”, featuring Grammy-nominated Turkish-American composer and multi-instrumentalist, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol. A visionary musician who effortlessly bridges Eastern and Western musical traditions, Sanlıkol has just released a new single, and we’re excited to learn more about his creative process, inspirations, and unique musical journey.
Sanlıkol’s Musical Identity
The Boston Globe described Sanlıkol’s music as “colorful, fanciful, full of rhythmic life.” But how would Mehmet describe his own work in just three words? He chose:
New
Accessible
Multimusical
These words encapsulate his dynamic approach, blending genres and traditions while keeping his music open to diverse audiences.
A Master of Many Instruments
Sanlıkol’s expertise doesn’t end with composing. When asked how many instruments he plays, he humorously revealed that he can play around 14 instruments, including his voice! However, as a professional, he mainly focuses on playing 7 or 8 instruments, showcasing his extraordinary versatility across various musical settings.
Soundtrack Favorites and Influences
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol is also deeply inspired by cinematic music. When asked which soundtrack moves him as if hearing it for the first time, he picked David Shire’s score for the 1974 film “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three”. This shows his appreciation for the timeless qualities of great soundtracks and their ability to evoke powerful emotions.
His musical influences span an impressive range, from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Mozart, Stravinsky, and Turkish music masters like Hammamizade İsmail Dede Efendi and Aka Gündüz Kutbay. This wide palette of influences is reflected in Sanlıkol’s work, which fuses jazz, classical, and traditional Turkish music in unique and exciting ways.
What’s Next for Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol?
In his exclusive interview with TAO, Sanlıkol revealed his deep connection to jazz. If he had to play music from only one jazz composer, his pick would be Miles Davis—not just his compositions, but all the pieces released under Davis’s name. This choice reflects Sanlıkol’s appreciation for the broad, genre-defying legacy of the jazz great.
