Born in Istanbul in 1939, Okay Temiz was influenced early by his mother, Naciye, who was classically schooled in music. Playing professionally since 1955, Temiz studied at the Ankara Conservatory and at the Tophane Art Institute to learn to build his own unique instruments. After meeting Maffy Falay and Don Cherry, he settled in Sweden; with Cherry and bassist Johnny Dyani he toured the U.S. and Europe (Live in Ankara, Sonet 1971). The group Xaba, with Dyani and trumpeter Mongezi Feza, was founded in 1972 (Rejoice, Cadillac 1972; Music for Xaba, Sonet 1972; Music for Xaba 2, Sonet 1979).
The Turkish musician Okay Temiz introduces one of his many musical expressions with jazz influenced by world music on this album. OKAY TEMIZ is considered the most important Turkish jazz musician, who worked together with musicians like Don Cherry or Bobo Stenson in the seventies. OKAY TEMIZ settled in Sweden, joined the Turkish-Swedish band SEVDA, which was very popular throughout Scandinavia, and eventually formed his own band ORIENTAL WIND, which will soon be available in two different editions, one "Swedish" and one "Swedish". Turkish ", gave. In retrospect, TEMIZ ventured with this tape first cautious steps on a new ground, which was explored much later in detail: The starting point of this ethno-jazz, which was then not so titled, was jazz; The inclusion of unusual meters (Turkish or generally Arabic) was subordinated to the jazz aspect.
The Poor Ones tells the semi-melodramatic story of three poor friends who met in prison where have been sent to on various offenses. These three friends do not want to get out when they are released. What are Abuzer, Haci and Arap going to do when they will be out? They have no one, no jobs… Apart from Haci and Arap, everything will be the same for Abuzer, who doesn't know where to go. He will still be alone, starving on the streets of the big city.