Biography

Unified Gecko is an exhilarating, sexy fusion of hotted-up Turkish melodies and rootsy gypsy rhythms. Unified Gecko is led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Murat Yucel, who brought with him from Turkey the passion to preserve the traditional music by transforming it. With this in mind, he sought out Melbourne musicians from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds and created the unique sound of Unifed Gecko.

The music is strongly rhythmic and richly textured, and includes an extensive repertoire of songs from traditional and contemporary to originals with a twist of reggae, ska, funk, jazz, ciftetelli and dancehall. This is a band that is dedicated to bringing people of all classes, cultures and creeds together for a great time.

Unified Gecko's music is enhanced by the stunning performance of one of Melbourne’s finest bellydancers – Tanleea. Her shimmering performances have captivated audiences all over the country.

Vocals, guitar harp, darbukka, bass, drums and the horn sections weave a magical carpet of sound that will take you away to a place where east meets west in a fusion of universal grooves and rich spicy textures.

festival performances

Melbourne Fringe Festival (Best Music Performance 2003)
Glove to Glove Festival
Boite Winter Festival
Spring Fling Festival
Melbourne University Festival of Diversity
Swinbourne University Festival
Folk, Rhythm and Life Festival
Turkish Australian Reconciliation Festival
Williamstown Festival
W 2 c Festival

venues

Barbukka (one year residency) 
Hi Fi Bar
The Night Cat
Allumbra
Ruby’s

radio & television

Channel 31 (1 hr TV broadcast)
3PBS live to air radio broadcast.

meet the band

Murat Yucel (Vocals, guitars)   
Tristan Ludowyk (Trumpet)
Natalia Mann (Harp, vocals)   
Alisha Brooks (Alto Saxophone)
Daniel Richardson (Flute and Didgeridoo)
Anita Larkin (Darbuka, Djembe, Req and Zils)
Nicky Bomba (Drums, percussion, vocals)
Alex Savage (Bass)
Tanleea (Bellydancer at live performances)