Question for Swedish members here

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 16 Aug 2023 5:59 am

Have any of you heard of a jazz and big band singer based in Stockholm named Hayati Kafe?
He is a cousin of mine but I'm just curious as to what kind of a profile he has in Sweden. Judging by Facebook alone you would think he was Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett but you know how Facebook goes...

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 20 Aug 2023 6:16 am

Oh yes Jim, he was quite a big pop star in the late sixties/early seventies. Originally from Turkey, I believe, but has lived over here since the early sixties. Big band jazz isn't a big thing in Sweden these days, but as far as I know he has always been well respected in jazz circles. Great singer, you can find some tracks on Spotify.

A recent cut from Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfKeeYwRGtI

His biggest hit from 1968, originally "Things" by Dean Martin and Nancy Sinatra. I was nine back then and really liked it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARV2qzd88no

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 20 Aug 2023 6:20 am

Thank you for that great info, Per. Yes, I have watched many of his videos over the years but wanted an inside opinion. Yes, he is originally from Turkey, as was my father, whose mother's maiden name was also Kafe. We occasionally correspond but we have never met in person yet. Thanks again, Per!

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 20 Aug 2023 6:39 am

Some more Swedish Big Band jazz just for fun:

Firstly by a whacky comedian (think Steve Martin in his SNL days, turned up to 11 or more), showing his slightly more serious side. Not the best recording, but I've got the album and it's really good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNO0mZDRXiM

And here's Göran Ringbom, normally a sort of singer/songwriter doing novelty songs and stuff that reminds me of Springsteen and Waits, along with some quite countrified stuff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kooiml9kymE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wI0fG1z4Lk

...he also did a Swedish version of "All my exes live in Texas", claiming to have written the song himself – despite the lyrics being a very close translation... The song takes its title from my hometown, and it was a huge hit here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIYYHmkcuog