Bio

Enver Izmaylov is a master guitarist and pioneer of the guitar tapping technique, blending jazz, Crimean Tatar, Balkan, and Turkish folk music with classical and modern influences. Born in 1955 in Fergana, Uzbekistan, his family’s exile from Crimea deeply shaped his artistry. His innovative compositions, featuring unique time signatures and virtuosity, have captivated global audiences. Enver has recorded over a dozen albums, including acclaimed works such as «At A Fergana Bazaar», «The Eastern Legend», and «River of Time». A recipient of numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix at the International Guitarist Festival (Lausanne), the Gold Award from the Edinburgh Festival, and the title of People’s Artist of Ukraine (2009), Enver has collaborated with luminaries such as Bobby McFerrin, Tommy Emmanuel, King Crimson’s Pat Masteloto & Tony Levin, and Ivo Papazov.

Enver Izmaylov is an internationally celebrated guitarist, composer, and musical innovator. A master of the two-handed tapping technique, Enver
reimagines the guitar as a full-spectrum instrument—capable of delivering
melody, harmony, rhythm, and bass simultaneously. His playing fuses Crimean
Tatar traditions with jazz improvisation, Balkan and Middle Eastern folk, and modern classical textures, forming a truly genre-defying sound.

Born in 1955 in Fergana, Uzbekistan to a family of Crimean Tatar descent, Enver’s identity and music are deeply shaped by the forced exile of his people in 1944. That sense of history, movement, and cultural resilience echoes throughout his compositions. He has released over a dozen acclaimed albums, including At A Fergana Bazaar, The Eastern Legend, and River of Time, and has collaborated with a wide range of international icons, including Bobby McFerrin, Tommy Emmanuel, King Crimson’s Tony Levin & Pat Mastelotto, and Ivo Papazov.

His accolades include the Grand Prix at the International Guitarist Festival (Lausanne), the Gold Award from the Edinburgh Festival, and the honorary title People’s Artist of Ukraine (2009). Enver is widely regarded as one of the 100 most acclaimed guitarists of our time, praised not only for his technical innovation but for the emotional and cultural depth of his music.

“Catchy, pulse-quickening party tunes and heart-warming melodies — just try to watch them and not weep or
dance.” — The Jewish Chronicle

That same year, Enver launched two high-profile collaborations:

With Grammy-winning klezmer pioneers The Klezmatics, Enver co-wrote and recorded three new compositions blending klezmer and Crimean Tatar traditions. These tracks will appear on the group’s 40th anniversary album, set for release in 2026.

With Chicago’s genre-blending Fugu Dugu, Enver joined their U.S. tour and recorded a featured track for their upcoming second album—fusing his rhythmic precision and improvisational depth with the band’s punk-folk energy.

In 2026–27, Enver will reissue landmark recordings from his celebrated back catalog, release new collaborative works, and return to North America for a tour featuring solo performances and shared sets with The Klezmatics, Fugu Dugu, and other global artists. Whether on stage or in the studio, Enver Izmaylov continues to reshape what the guitar—and global music—can be.

From Standing Ovations to
Studio Sessions

In 2025, Enver completed a second consecutive sold-out U.S. tour,
performing to enthusiastic audiences in New York, Chicago,
Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, and more. His performances—both
solo and collaborative—earned standing ovations and glowing
recognition across the folk, jazz, and world music communities. He
also released a powerful new solo live album, Live at Jetlag 2024,
capturing the energy and nuance of his U.S. festival appearance.

Past shows

Fugu Dugu in Chicago City Winery

Fugu Dugu in DROM, NYC