Flapper Swing is a group that keeps alive the musical atmosphere of the roaring 1920s – ‘the times when jazz was still fun’. It has five members: Nevin Hetmanek on vocals, Erhan Erbelger and Tomas Hetmanek on guitars, Volkan Topakoğlu on double bass and Batu Şallıel on soprano saxophone. (I believe Tomas Hetmanek hails from the Czech Republic.) They appear on stage in 1920s costume, but the audience is at liberty to dress as they will.
I have fond memories of the times when Flapper Swing played in the street – at the Tünel end of İstiklal Caddesi. I always admired their blend of musical professionalism and good humour.
John Shakespeare Dyson
Issue 66, December 2023
Turkey’s Centenary Issue
