About
Mark Lotz – Flutist, Composer, and Change-Maker
I am an improviser at heart, driven by the energy of the moment. This is what makes me tik. Whether in jazz, world music, or free improvisation, I shape spontaneous expression into something alive and compelling.
I treat each performance as a world premiere—unrepeatable, charged with discovery and of uncompromising quality. In music I tend to do not the obvious, to do it different. My goal is to blur the lines between composition and improvisation—crafted pieces should feel fresh and immediate, while improvised music should carry depth and intention. This constant interplay is what fuels my artistry.
As an improviser and composer I own a personal language that reflect my connection to aesthetics and techniques of contemporary classical music with the virility of jazz. I do transport my horn into areas of contemporary music, deliver a sound, giving my instrument dimension and depth. I cherish real-time sound production, using complex extended flute techniques and electronic effects and love to casually shatter any stereotypes around the flute.
With a career spanning +30 years on the Dutch music scene and an international touring portfolio, my music has gained a lot of acclaim. Especially for my solo recitals, interpretations of Afro-Cuban, West African, and free improvised music. My music is often described as filmic and is presented in surprising settings or innovative concepts. Genre-bending collaborations is spanning an arc of collaborations with jazz, contemporary music and different forms of world music crossovers, next to theater, performance art, visual arts, film and dance.
As a bandleader, I have recorded 21 albums in Cuba, Senegal, Turkey, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands, released by labels in the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, and the US. Additionally, I am featured on over 70 albums. In 2025, I launched my own record label, Sonic Squid Music.
Change-Maker
At my core, I am a change-maker, dedicated to fostering a more compassionate world. My life and work are rooted in Ubuntu—the African philosophy of interconnectedness. We do not exist in isolation; our meaning is found in connection, collaboration, and shared experience. Since the pandemic, my artistic activities have increasingly focused on social issues, bearing witness to and engaging with them.
Cultural Engagement
Seeking to capitalise on the music-hungry fanbase that developed in the Utrecht area, I launched festivals and concert series, serving the community through the arts. These and other roles as advisor, or as member of the government board of the musicians union BIMpro reflect my belief that being an artist also means being engaged.
Collaborations
My genre-bending collaborations span jazz, contemporary music, and world music crossovers, as well as theater, performance art, visual arts, film, and dance. Notable international collaborations include:
- Don Byron, Chris Potter, Namgyal Lhamo, Miguel ‘Angá’ Díaz, David Tronzo, Najma Akthar, and members of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba.
- Dutch collaborators include director Erik de Vroedt, Han Bennink, Zuco 103, Jesse van Ruller, Theo Loevendie, and Ernst Reijseger.
Worked with
A.o. Chris Potter, Don Byron, Namgyal Llhamo, David Haney, Najma Akthar, Johannes Bauer, Petar Ralchev, Eddy Martinez, Mathew Ostrowski, Anatol Stefanet, Jason Robarts, Mola Sylla, Martha Gallarraga, Lucumi, Joe Santiago, Bob Ostertag, Tony Buck, Frank Gratkowski, Nicky Marrero, Sibel Köse, Daniel Marques, Shih-Yang Lee, Fay Victor, The Artdirectors, members of the Conjunto Folklorico National De Cuba, Yoruba Anabo, Raices and Clavé y Guaguanco, Gebhard Ullman, Thomas Strønen, Carlos Zingaro.
and Dutch artists such as
Han Bennink, Luc Houtkamp, Eric Boeren, Jesse van Ruller, Arjan Gorter, Harry Sparnay, Theo Lovendie, Denise Jannah, Anton Goudsmit, Wouter Hamel, Wolter Wierbos, Ernst Reijseger.
Recorded with
Miguel ‘Anga’ Diaz, David Tronzo, Umut Caglar, Kamil Erdem, soloists of the Conjunto Folklorico De Oriente, Yoruba Anabo and Raices, Amelia Pedroso, José Pilar Suarez, Lazara Cachao, Leon Ware, Sandip Battacharya, Konstantin Ruchadze, Vitold Rek, Michael Moore, Monica Triga, Estrella Acosta, Omar Ka, Korhan Erel, Sandhya Sanjana, Fatih Ahiskali, Claudio Puntin, Zolthan Lakos, Ramesh Shotham, Mary Oliver, Abou Thiam and many others.
and Dutch artists such as
Zuco 103, Giovanca, Lilian Viera, Izaline Callister, Mary Oliver, Raj Mohan, Michiel Borstlap, Alan Laurillard, Ad Colen, Tjitze Vogel, Michael Baird, Alan Purves, Jeroen van Vliet, Michael Vatcher, Joost Buis.
Personal record
Date of Birth: 12. June 1963
Native place: Tübingen
Nationality: German
Biography
1963 – ’66; Berlin, Germany
1966 – ’69; Bangkok, Thailand
1969 – ’72; Primary school Kampala, Uganda
1972 – ’83; High School ‘Konrad Adenauer Gymnasium’ Bonn, Germany
1983 – ’84; Social service at the ‘Godeshöhe rehabilitation center for the disabled’, Bonn
Education
1980 – ’84; Private studies (flute) under Michael Heupel, Bonn
1984 – ’86; Studied Ethnology and Musicology at Berlin University
1986 – ’91; Studied flute and jazz at the Hilversum Conservatory under Ferdinand Povel
1989 – ’93; Second study of classical music at the ‘Amsterdam School Of Arts’ under Jos Zwaanenburg
1986 – 99; Prospective private tuition and workshops with James Newton, Dave Liebman, Hubert Laws, Jerry Gonzales, Miroslav Vitous, Daan Admiraal, Dolf Grunwald
1997-’98; Private tuition with James Newton, Lew Tabakin, Ken McIntyre, Hubert Laws, Buddy Colette, Steve Kujala, Pedro Eustache, Dave Valentin, Ellery Eskelin and Bobby Watson, in New York and California, sponsored by ‘Prins Bernhard Fonds’ and ‘Fonds voor de Podiumkunsten’
2007-2009; contract student at Codarts Conservatory for Indian Bansuri flute
Early Influences and Career Beginnings
My musical journey was shaped by my father, Dr. Rainer E. Lotz, a jazz historian, researcher, discographer, and author. Growing up, I was immersed in his vast record jazz collection and he exposed me to live performances of traditional music in Thailand, Uganda, and concerts by jazz legends like Lionel Hampton, Herbie Hancock, and Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention.
At 17, after hearing flutist Michael Heupel in Bonn, I was so inspired that I worked in a tannery to earn my first flute. Still a student, my professional career began with The Albanism Quartet (1988, featuring pianist Michiel Borstlap), winning multiple prizes and touring Spain, Czechoslovakia, and Germany. My debut album, a duo recording with bassist Tjitze Vogel , was released in 1994, followed by the first album with my long-standing ensemble, Lotz Of Music. Lotz Of Music has been a platform for diverse artistic collaborations. With this ensemble, recordings were made for film, and a project with a VJ, A Dutch View On Fish, was developed. The group has worked with many musicians, including Don Byron and Claudio Puntin. It also made part in the theater production Pendant La Nuit, marking my collaboration with Dutch theater director Eric de Vroedt. It was also with Lotz Of Music that I launched my Cuban Roots project, culminating in a trilogy of albums exploring Yoruba-based music.
Expanding Horizons and Global Collaborations
In 1997, I received my first composition commission for the Utrechts Jazz Pool, leading to numerous commissions in the years that followed for theater, film, and various ensembles.
My career has taken me across the world, collaborating with musicians from A(rmenia) to Z(ambia). My early career also included founding the Utrechts Jazztreffen festival (1993-94) with Tjitze Vogel, later joining his Global Village Orchestra and his world music production office Music: World Series (2000-2014), producing ensembles, compositions and concert tours and for over 14 years. In 2003, I composed for the theater production Magic: Stories In Music.
Since 1990, I have been deeply involved in the Dutch music scene, working across genres and disciplines. Collaborations have included sculpturer Eveliene van der Graaf, painter Marije Nielen, filmmakers (Bart van Lisdonk, Rolf Orthel, Bernadette van Beurten, Michiel van Bakel), and composers/musicians like Gijs Hendriks, Theo Loevendie (as soloist in his Bons composition), Zapp String Quartet, and Tony Overwater. My work has ranged from duo performances with drummer Michael Baird (1994-95) to experimental projects with VJ Soundshadow.
A pivotal collaboration began in 1997 with Cuban master drummer Javier Campos Martinez, culminating in a trilogy of albums interpreting Afro-Cuban religious folklore. Between 1996 and 2004, we recorded and performed with soloists from Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba, Clavé y Guaguancó, and Yoruba Anabo, like Miguel 'Anga' Diaz, Amalia Pedroso and José Pilar Suarez.
Innovation and Cross-Cultural Projects
In 2000, I launched mWWm (Mark’s WILD WORLD Music), which has seen five editions, collaborating with artists such as Kenyan dancer John Kayongo, Indian tabla player Sandip Bhattacharya, Moldavian violist Anatol Steffanet, and Gambian kora player Lamin Kuyate. Notably, the ensemble A Fula's Call, featuring Senegalese vocalist Omar Ka, became successful, working with cellist Ernst Reijseger or the Euro Brass Orchestra, releasing two albums and touring across Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Egypt, Bulgaria, and China.
My classical debut came in 2003, performing Denisov’s Concert for Contrabass, Flute, and Double Orchestra. I also co-founded Shiva’s Lounge with House music producer Eric Cycle and vocalist Raj Mohan, evolving into Afro Lounge – New Yoruba Beat, performing at festivals in Germany and the Netherlands. This collaboration with Raj Mohan continues today.
Since 2002, my deep connection with Turkey has led to collaborations with a.o. Sibel Kose, Kamil Erdem, Sarp Maden, Bora Çeliker, Ali Perret, and Istanbul’s avant-garde scene (the wet dogs of Istanbul 'Islak Köpek', and Sevket Akinci, Umut Caglar), resulting in albums such as Odd Tango, Akide, Istanbul Improv Sessions May 4 & 5,. Notably the collaboration with electronic music artist Korhan Erel resulted in many concerts, collaborations with a.o. Frank Gratowski, Gebhardt Ullman, and the project: IstanPOOL.
Touring, Advocacy, and New Frontiers
Heavy touring followed, taking me across North America, Canada, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East performing in jazz, world music, and free improvisation settings. From 2007 to 2011, I co-curated with bassist Meinrad Kneer the U-Ex(perimental) series for free improvised music in Utrecht. In 2011, I became actively involved in advocacy, serving 11 years on the board of BIMpro and founding the BIM Podium Initiative (2019), a stimulation price for small venues.
My solo album release Solo Flutes (2016) gained high international acclaim. Many collaborations with artists worldwide followed, including Brazilian guitarist Daniel Marquez, Portuguese musicians Miguel Mira & Carlos Zíngaro, Taiwanese artists Shi-Yang Lee & Terry Hsieh, Indian sitar master Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, and many many more stunning artists from China, Spain, France, Italy, India, Taiwan, Turkey, Okinawa, Poland, etc.
In 2016, I founded Jazz On The Sofa, a jazz festival in chamber music in and around Castle Zeist, which continues today. I also intensified my work with percussionist Alan Purves, recording Food Foragers as a duo and that year also saw my comeback to jazz with the Mark Lotz Trio.
Recent Works and Social Impact
In 2018, I co-founded the Møde Ensemble (Portugal/Denmark) with Nelson Cascais and Joao Paulo Estebes da Silva and began working with filmmaker Michiel van Bakel and Japanese dancer Kenzo Kusuda. During the pandemic, I composed music for the Taiwanese immersive theater play June, releasing albums Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out! (with music inspired by the eight circles of consciousness by Dr. Timothy Leary) and Freshta, the latter dedicated to Afghan women's rights activists Freshta Kohistani. With Mandala Tribe I initiated a fusion where Indian music intertwines with electronic elements, which will release it's first CD in 2025.
My artistic work has increasingly focused on social impact, leading projects such as Mark My Wor(l)ds, VOLfest, Gist!, VOLbeat, Sojourner’s Truth, and Freshta. In 2024, I debuted Epiphyllum – Queen of the Night, an alto flute solo performance inspired by a rare cactus that blooms only once at night, marking my entry into ambient electronic music.
Educator
I am a passionate educator and hold positions at the conservatories of Rotterdam (Codarts) and Utrecht (HKU), where I share my experience and inspire the next generation of musicians. I have also given clinics and masterclasses worldwide, nurturing creativity and excellence in students across the globe. Through my festivals and concert series, I create platforms for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange—offering workshops, masterclasses, awards, talent showcases and composition assignments to support emerging artists on their journey.
1991-now; Teacher for flute, jazz and ensembles at ‘Academy of Music’, Alphen a/d Rijn
1993-94; Teacher for flute and advanced training for the teachers 'Academy Of Music', Enschede
1994-2000; Workshop leader for various institutions and music schools of music in the Netherlands
1994-95; Member of the education group in the ‘Jazz in Utrecht’ foundation
1996; Lecturer at the University, Alphen a/d Rijn and the ‘Culturele Circel Amstelveen’ foundation
1995-96; Teacher for flute and jazz ensemble at ‘Academy of Music’ Amstelveen
1997; Lecture at the 'Percuba Festival', Havana, Cuba
2000-2001; Guest teacher flute (jazz) for the Zwolle conservatory
2007; Guest teacher flute at the conservatory of Rotterdam (Codarts)
2010; Masterclass flute at Yildiz University, Istanbul, Turkey
2010-now; Part of the Faculty of the Utrecht Conservatory (HKU) Jazz/Pop department (flute & ensemble)
2012-now Part of the Faculty of the Rotterdam Conservatory (Codarts ) Jazz/Latin department
2014; Guest teacher at Hochschule für Musik, Bremen (Introduction to Indian Classical Music)
2014; Jazz workshop for Neflac (Netherlands Flute Association)
2015; Masterclass at Hochschule für Musik, Bremen (on solo concepts)
2015; Clinic at Wenchui Arts Center, Taipei, Taiwan
2015; Clinic at Zuhal Muzik, Istanbul, Turkey
2016; Clinic at MIA Festival, Portugal
2017; Masterclass and clinic at Unesco Jazz Week, Conservatory Kathmandu, Nepal
2018; Masterclass at Karol Lipiński Academy of Music, Wroclaw, Poland
2018; Masterclass at Instytut Jazzu PWSZ, Nysie, Poland
2018; Clinic at Szkoła Muzyczna I i II stopnia im, Krakow, Poland
2018; Lecture and solo recital at the International Scientific & Educational Conference Jazz XXI,
Akademia Muzyczna, Krakowie, Poland
2018; Masterclass at the Escola Superior De Música, Lisboa, Portugal
2018; Lecture & clinic for the ‘International Improvisation Festival Taipei’, Taiwan
2018; Clinic at Uereshi studio, Okinawa, Japan
2018, Workshop at the 'Academy Of Music', Ancona, Italy
2020; Masterclass Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland
2022; Lecture NEFLAC Academy, Ede, The Netherlands
2022; Masterclass, Thelma Yellin Highschool, Tel Aviv, Israel
2023; Workshops, Flutopia, Schaaik, the Netherlands
2023; Workshop, DUMS via HKU, Utrecht, the Netherlands
2024; Workshop HKU Blazersfestival, Utrecht Conservatory, the Netherlands
Cultural Engagement
Seeking to capitalize on the music-hungry fanbase that developed in the Utrecht area, I launched festivals and concert series, serving the community through the arts.
•2018/19; Organizer of the ‘HKU Flute Festival‘
• 2019, editor for the the Concertzender radio presenting (and donating) in four episodes my Lotz Collection (a collection of CD I got from musicians during my travels around the globe)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
My work has been the subject of articles, interviews, features, and reviews in music magazines and newspapers across the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Russia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Suriname, Moldova, Greece, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Egypt, Italy, and India.
My music has been selected for ‘Best Of’ lists, Editor’s Picks, and Special Features in numerous international publications. It has been featured on compilation CDs and frequently ranked in the top 10 of radio play charts worldwide.
I have recorded albums in countries such as Cuba, Senegal, Turkey, India, and Poland, with releases by record labels from the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, and the USA. To date, I have performed on over 70 CDs, LPs, and tapes.
Assignment for compositions
1997; Assignment for two compositions to be performed by the Utrecht Jazz Pool 1998
2000; Assignment for six compositions by the Dutch ‘Fonds voor de scheppende Toonkunst’
2000; Assignment by the 'Zapp String Quartet' for a composition for String Quartet and voice.
2001; Assignment by the ‘Fonds voor de Scheppende Toonkunst’ for a composition for String Quartet, the Zapp Aria.
2002; Assignment for a composition by the ‘Travellin’ Light’ Piano Trio
2003; Assignment for a composition by Stichting Multiplex for the project: ‘Magic: Stories in music’, together with actor Nel
Lekatompessy and The Global Village Orchestra.
2004; Assignment by the ‘Theater de Lantaren’ for their 2004 theatre production ‘Pendant La Nuit’.
2005; Assignment by the Fonds voor de Sheppende Toonkunst to write for our mWWm ensemble 'A Fula’s Call’
2006; Assignment by the Fonds voor de Sheppende Toonkunst to compose for our project with VJ Soundshadow: Lotz Of Music Plays A Dutch View On Fish.
2010; Assignment by the Fonds voor de Sheppende Toonkunst to compose for the ensemble Moldavia Calls.
2013; Assignment for ten solo flute compositions by Fonds Podiumkunsten
2019; Assignment for two compositions for the immersive theaterplay June (Taipei, Taiwan)
2022; Assignment for compositions dedicated to the women of Afghanistan by BUMA/Stemra and the VNJJ (Association of Dutch Jazz venues and festivals)
2024; Assignment for Epiphyllum (solo performance) in ambient music with electronic soundscapes by Fonds Podiumkunsten
- Yamaha Piccolo
- Flötophon (a soprano sax mouthpiece connected to a flute body
- Christoph Mancke wood headjoint
- Muramatsu SR Heavy model silver handmade concert flute
- Muramatsu Ex-II model concert flute
- Muramatsu silver alto flute
- Kotato & Fukushima bass flute with silver headjoint
- Jelle Hogenhuis PVC contra bass flute
- a variety of Indian Bamboe flutes called ‘Bansuri‘ in all pitches. Manufactured by Harsh Wardhan and Kanti Patel
- a variety of game calls
- DPA Headband Microphone
- Royer R-101 Ribbon Microphone
- Boss, VE-20 multi effect processor, looper
- TC-Helicon, Voicelive 3 multi effect processor, looper
- Eventide H90 pedal
- Red Panda Particle 2 pedal
- Chase Bliss Blooper pedal
- Laptop/Ableton Live
- Novation Controlers (Launchpad Pro, Launchcontrol XL, Launchkey mini)
Press Quotes On Lotz
All About Jazz (USA)
“Mark Alban Lotz is bringing sexy back into jazz.”
JazzAndMo (Belgium)
” … almost monomaniacally driven musician.”
WRUV & Jazz (USA)
“Mark Alban Lotz – a German-Dutch genius and flute master.”
CultureJazz (France)
“This is a musician who makes no compromises.”
Flute Focus (UK)
„Pure Genius.”
Los Angeles Jazz Scene Magazine (USA)
“One of the world’s top jazz flute players!”
KUUB (NL)
“Mark Alban Lotz is a world phenomenon on the flute, a creative miracle of contemporary flute music.”
Jazz Da Gama (Canada)
“The prince of darkness.”
Jazz Da Gama (Canada)
“Lotz Is the kind of artist who seems forever at the service of his art, which is to say he draws attention to the music, employing his genius to let the music glow in the dark.“
Neue Zeitschrift für Musik (Germany)
“The word of the ‚new worlds of sound’ usually picked up in the context of contemporary music is quite worn out, but with Lotz it is entitled.”
All About Jazz (USA)
“Dutch Flute Master.”
Draai Om Je Oren (The Netherlands)
“Unprecedented phenomenon in the Dutch impro-scene.”
Concerto Magazine (Austria)
“One of the most outstanding virtuosos on the flute.”
Citizen Jazz (France)
“Mark Alban Lotz stands out as being one of the best improvising flautists of Europe.”
Newsmantra (India)
“With use of electronics, extended techniques and voice, Lotz painted a colorful portrait of intense beauty that reflected his life in jazz, classical and world music.”
La Traversiere (France)
“A big voice in the European Jazz scene.”
Latin Jazz Net (USA)
“Mark Lotz is more than just a big voice in the European jazz scene. He is at the forefront of jazz, classical and World Music and is obviously enjoying every minute of it!”
Global Rhythm magazine (USA)
“Errant Jazz-man.”
Jazz (Portugal)
“Sound architect of a different kind!”
Africa News, Tontonjovo (The Netherlands)
“Mark Alban Lotz a legend on different flutes.”
Lowflutes.com (Australia)
„This artist and overall creative genius is redefining the sonic palette of all flutes.“
Cadence Magazine (USA)
“Lotz has a strong voice on flute and a great sense of presentation.”
Cadence Magazine (USA)
“Ambitious composer of unique contexts. He delivers an intriguing program of progressive chamber jazz.”
Sapsite Utrecht (The Netherlands)
„Lord Of The Flutes.”
UNI Magazine (CzechRepublic)
“Mark Lotz is a flute master in traditional up to hypnoticing modern settings. … . Cascades of sound by Lotz starting with barking to waves, snoring, screaming or intimate ministrels.
BN/De Stem (The Netherlands)
“Mark Alban Lotz: unique flute in jazz.”
FLY Magazine (UK)
“Excellent flute playing of Mark Lotz. A prolific virtuoso, … he brings a freshness … to stretch the tracks beyond their initial impact.”
Vrij Nederland (The Netherlands)
“The capacity of Lotz coming directly to the essence in all the different settings really takes you by surprise. This is free music in its most universal variation.”
Jazzreview (USA)
“The clever jazz flute stylings of Mark Alban Lotz insert brilliant floating flavor to the highly addictive “Carjive.”
Rootstime (Belgium)
„Master improviser, tribute!”
His Voice Magazine (Czech Republic)
„One of the most agile experimental jazz instrumentalists.”
Radio 808 (Croatia)
“Mark Alban Lotz, a brilliant flutist, one of the new names in the virtuous circle of European improvisors.”
Pan Magazine (USA)
“Masculine, exciting, superb.”
Nieuwsblad v/h Noorden (The Netherlands)
“Taking the past as a starting point Lotz opens a view into the jazz of the future.”
All Music, (USA)
Lotz’s chosen instrument sets him apart, of course, but so does his skill as an improviser. He’s a daring, spontaneous soloist, who manages to invest the flute with the sort of earthiness one might more logically expect from a saxophonist.”
NRC Handelsblad (The Netherlands)
“Besides his mastery of his instruments Lotz demonstrates a few things you won’t learn at school: fantasy, sense for colours and drama plus humorous playfulness.”
TAZ Bremen, Germany
“Hearing Lotz you have to change the prejudice about the soft sounding flute.”
Le Son Du Grisli (France)
“Pure Thriller here, find a Tarkovsky’ish slowness somewhere else. Lotz is a filmmaker of breath, a wise man you can not decently blame his ‚travel bulimia’.”
B. Olewinck (France)
“Lotz is a fantastic flutist, evincing great command, facility and imagination. … intriguingly impressive.”
Jazz Magazine (Italy)
“Though inspired by Atlantic recordings of Hubert Laws Lotz manages to go from Classical to Jazz music with a lot of personal energy and vitality.”
Frankenpost (Germany)
“… on the bass flute Lotz reached into the essence of art: … he allowed a glimpse into the underworld where nothing can be seen but much is to be heard.”
Trouw (The Netherlands)
“German flutist set the standard at the SJU Jazz Festival ’94.”
Schwäbische Post (Germany)
“Lotz turned out to be a sensitive and versatile instrumentalist. His apparently unlimited richness of variation was brilliant.”
Jazzfreak (The Netherlands)
“Lotz does not seem to be bothered by technical limits.”
La Traversiere (France)
“Lotz is a flutist who has no doubt established himself in the rich contemporary music alongside Robert Dick and Michel Edelin.”
Utrechts Nieuwsblad (The Netherlands)
“The best-dressed flutist of the world.”
General Anzeiger (Germany)
“Lotz experienced and cristal clear playing fascinated the audience.”
Schäbische Zeitung (Germany)
“Lotz’ens performance was so to say a lecture in the case: flute.”
Surinam Times (Suriname)
“World Class Flutist!”
Draai Om Je Oren (The Netherlands)
“Mark Alban Lotz is the grand master, a great improviser on all kinds of flutes.”
Herald Scotland (United Kingdom)
“Lotz providing forceful piccolo in the initial waltz and later taking a marvelously expressive wooden flute solo …”.
Jazzarium (Poland)
“Mark Alban Lotz without a doubt is “one of a kind.”
Longplay, Robert Ratajczak (Poland)
„In the playing of Alban Lotz we can see {cut} extraordinary virtuosity. The musician plays on different flutes, in each case, apart from the delightful technique, displaying unlimited imagination and visionary fantasy.“
Jazz.com, T.Pena (USA)
“Flutist Mark Alban Lotz has created a unique niche for himself in the field of World Music.”
De Nieuwe Noten (The Netherlands)”
“We already knew that Lotz is unsurpassed on the flute, this solo in “The Bostonian” illustrates where his fame comes from.”
La Habitation De Jazz (Spain)
“Lotz avoids the obvious in his compositions, looking for the different. As can be seen in the ten songs on the album, he is an improviser with his own language.”
All of my releases do have a link with fish. Either in the title, in the cover or somewhere hidden in the layout.
Do I have a special bond with fish? One that goes further than that I love seafood and that I am a Scuba diver?
Yes. What happened?
My first debut as leader was with the CD Puasong Daffriek (Poison d’Afrique). Title and design is with fish. That was a start of this love affair. The multimedia project A Dutch View On Fish went furthest in this quest thus far. Documented on the CD Bite!
We destroy our ocean environment and fish population irrevocably. Please support the Seasheperds.
▪ 1988 – 1991; Leader of the 'Albanism Quartet' (with Michiel Borstlap, Tours in Spain, Tschoslowakia, Holland, Germany)
▪ 1989; Finalist with the 'Albanism Quartet' at the Jazz Contest in Karlovy Vary, Slovakia
▪ 1990; Encouragement price of the Middelsee Jazzfestival Competition
▪ 1990; Gijs Hendriks' 'Construction Company'
▪ 1991 – 2000; 'T(w)o-Do', with bassist Tjitze Vogel " (Tours in Germany, Belgium, Holland)
▪ 1991 – 2023; Leader of 'Lotz Of Music' (Tours in Cuba, Holland, Germany, Spain)
▪ 1992; 'Lotz Of Music' second price winner of the Middelsee Jazzfestival Contest (with special credits)
▪ 1992; Featured solist with 'Bons'. A composition by Theo Lovendie for a classical chamber ensemble of 11 instrumentalist and one jazz soloist
▪ 1993 – 1999; Leader of the 'The New Mark Lotz Standard Quartet' (Tours in Holland, Belgium, Germany)
▪ 1994; Duo Baird/Lotz with drummer and percussionist Michael Baird
▪ 1995; Realisation of the project 'noisiVision'. A multimedia performance in cooperation with the duo 'T(w)o-Do' and artist Elseline van der Graaf and her sculptures.
▪ 1995; With drummer Michael Baird recordings for the 'Pavilloen project – De wereld barst van de idealen' by artist Marijke Nielen from Utrecht.
▪ 1995; 'Lotz Of Music' recorded the soundtrack for the Rolf Orthel documentary 'Antartica – A Ticket To Eternity'
▪ 1996; Bass flutist in the Bass Quartet of bassist/composer Tony Overwater
▪ 1996-1997; 'Utrecht Deep Artment' – an octet playing contemporary music
▪ 1996-2005; 'Lotz Of Music Cuban Roots Project' which later was renamed 'Shango's Dance'. A tentet performing a fusion of Afro Cuban religious folklore with Lotz Of Music. During the years recorded and performed with soloists of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, Conjunto Folklorico de Oriente, Clavé y Guaguanco, Miguel Anga Diaz, Amelia Pedroso, Lucumi and Raices Profundas.
▪ 1997; with bassist Tjitze Vogel recordings for the TV animation picture 'Klinkende Verhaalen' by Metropolis Films/Bart van Lisdonk.
▪ 1997; Solo concerts within exhibitions of artist Marijke Nielen
▪ 1998 – 2001; performing as sideman in Jorge Martinez Galan 'La Sonora de Galan', Estrella Acosta Band, Rumbanana, Lis Harting Sextet. In 1999 toured as guest soloist in Austria with 4Front by Andreas Pirringer.
▪ 2000; 'TiffnoiZe' – 'Silent Moves & Violent Grooves' a project with video and improvised music by VJ Gido, soundfreak Allan Laurillard and percussionist Michael Baird
▪ 2000; World music concerts; mWWm. 1rst edition with a.o. danser John Kayongo (Kenia) and Tabla player Sandip Bhattacharrya (India)
▪ 2000; 12'tet 'Beat Sharks' of Allan Laurillard (a fusion of Sun Ra with Break Beats!)
▪ 2000-2020; 'Estrellas Acosta's Guaijra' – Cuban Country Songs
▪ 2001; Performances ; 'mWWm' Mark's Wild Wold Music' 2nd edition with percussionist Afra Mussawisade, violinist Oene van Geel and bassist Tony Overwater.
▪ 2001-2003; 'Seafood' by Alan Laurillard improvisations on Break and Jungle Beats)
▪ 2002-2006; 'Zuiderzee Orcestra' – interactive freestyle Big band; In the field of classical music Mark Lotz was soloist in Danisov’s “Concert for contra bass, flute and double orchestra” in 2003 on PVC contra bass flute with the Het Nederlands Fluit Orkest.
▪ 2002 – 2011; Raj Mohan's Vistar – crossover of North Indian classical music and jazz. Special guests: Denise Jannah, Anthony Heidweiler, Timucin Sahin.
▪ 2002 – 2009; the start of a collaboration with old style House producer/composer/DJ Eric Cycle. Resulting first in the act 'Shiva's Lounge' which evolved into 'Afro Lounge – New YoRUba BeAt'.
▪ 2002-2010; Global Village Orchestra – a ten piece world music fusion ensemble feat. a.o. Mola Sylla, Behsat Uvez, Kamil Abbas and Alan Purves. As part of the Global Village Orchestra Lotz in collaboration with actor Nel Lakompessy contributed to the music theatre show 'Magic: Stories In Music' in 2004.
▪ 2003; 'Page One' – live dance act by Producer Duo Ivo & Maarten Meijer
▪ 2003-2020; Raj Mohan's Shairana – a literair programme around North Indian classical music and jazz
▪ 2003-2004; 'Flutes n' Brass' – The Guus Tangelder Big Band fronted by four Flutists (Ronald Snijders, Jeroen Pek, Peter Guidi, Mark Lotz)
▪ 2004; Three basses and a flute – a collaboration of the bassplayers Meinrad Kneer, Tony Overwater and Jos Machtel with a flautist
▪ 2004; Najma Akthar versus Vistar – crossover of Asian Underground with India jazz fusion
▪ 2004-2005; 'Lotz Of Music' and Pendant La Nuit – Lotz Of Music performing as a Finish Jazzband in the theater play Pendant La Nuit by Erik de Vroedt
▪ 2005; Flute Jazz Trio – Trio jazz with drummer Joost van Schaaik and bass player Arjen Gorter
▪ 2005; ensemble BB Connected of vocalist Beer Teipe
▪ 2006 – 2016; Mark Lotz & A Fula's Call – world fusion with Omar Ka, Afra Mussawisade and Raphael Vanoli.
▪ 2007-2012; Lotz Of Music versus VJ Soundshadow – 'A Dutch View On Fish'
▪ 2007-2011; part of the Kamil Erdem Quartet
▪ 2008; Studio/CD recordings (flute & bansuri); Wahid, CD Hymn Forever by Konstantin Ruchardze, CD Cadencia by Sandra Mirabal & Jacob Klaase, Rekesh Dukaloo, DJ Gumnaam, Easy Aloha's, CD Subway Silence of Giovanca. Tour through the Us and Canada with Estrella Acosta's Guaijrra.
▪ 2009; concert & recordings (Holland, France, Egypt, Bulgaria); Droeh Nankoe, Sandhya Sanjana, Raj Mohan, Estrella Acosta, Wouter Hamel, Giovanca, Ad Colen Quartet, Pierre Abbo, Jacky GrandJean, Regine Gesta, Konstantin Ruchadze, Lotz Of Music, A Fula's Call, Oguz Buyukberber, Felicity Provan, Han Bennik, Mary Oliver, Ad Colen, Meinrad Kneer, Guillaume Heurtebize, John Dikeman, Roosie Woof.
▪ 2009, Utrek City Improv; collective of Utrecht based soloist performing music of Michael Baird.
▪ 2009; Part of the film project 'Pép' on the one note by Bernadette van Beurten.
▪ 2010; recordings; Konstantin Ruchardze, Lazara Cachao, Islak Köpek, Umut Çaglar, Florent Merlet, Can Omar Uygan, Michael Hays, Alexandre Toisoul, Iman Spangaaren, Steve Mariat & Monica Triga. Recorded flute tracks for Rory Ronde, Jayanti Noömi and Eelco Topper. U-experimental recordings with Meinrad Kneer, Felicity Provan, Joost Buis, Dana Jessen, Alfredo Genovesi, Yedo Gibson, Han Buhrs, Mary Oliver, Maartje ten Hoorn, Guillaume Heurtebize, Koenrad Ecker and Jodi Gilbert.
▪ 2010; concerts (Holland, Egypt, France, Turkey); Chris Potter Tentet, Fay Victor, Tony Buck, Johanes Bauer, Moldavia Calls (a.o. Anatoli Stefanet, Paul Pallesen), Jasper Stadshouders, Kamil Erdem, Sibel Köse, Tony Overwater (also video film), A Fula's Call & Euregio Wind, Brass & Percussion Orchestra, Bora Çeliker, Ahmed Nazmi, Jan Schellink, Juan Gancino Parra, A Fula's Call, Lotz Of Music, Paul Maassen, Rembrand Frerichs Kepera Trio, Hayhtam Safia, Global Village Orchestra feat. Namghyal Llhamo.
▪ 2011; concerts (in Turkey, Holland, France, Germany and Moldavia): Laurent Rochelle, Laurent Paris, Utrecht Impro City Collective, Heddy Boubakker, Pierre Dayraud, Regine Gesta, Iman Spaargaren Septet, Eelco Topper's 'You And The Manager', Harry Cherrin, Sebastian Grams, Startrunk, Moldavia Calls, Sandhya Sanjana, Lotz Of Music, Claudio Puntin's 'Sepiasonic', Guillerme Heurtebize, Lotz/Erel Duo (feat. Eric Boeren, Wolter Wierbos, Robert van Heumen, Han Buhrs), A Fula's Call, JigaVoo, Projecto Paulinho do Violao, Raj Mohan, Johanna Varner, Dick Toering, Keir Neuringer, Ears Wide Open Trio, Moldavia Calls (w. Jodi Gilbert, Paul Pallesen), Islak Köpek.
▪ 2011; Recordings; A Fula's Call CD with Afra Mussawisadeh, Bao Sissoko, Omar Ka, Jeroen van Vliet. Recorded bansuri for Konstantin Ruchadze. Demo recording voor Christel Meijer.
▪ 2011; Tour to Suriname with the Raj Mohan Ensemble.
▪ 2012; concerts (Holland, Suriname, France, Senegal); Raj Mohan's Daayra and light classical ensemble, A Fula's Call, Maarten Ornstein, Jeannine Valeriano, Miro's Move, Brederodse Consort, Sandhya Sanjana, Solo, Heddy Boubakker, Omar Adam, Spinifex, Hampathe & Sahel Blues. Collaborations in Mark Lotz Meets Don Byron, Snijders/Lotz Duo, Duo Purves/Lotz, Duo Hierdeis/Lotz and with danser Kenzo Kusada
▪ 2012; Part of the film 'improvising hands, improvising minds' by Bernadette van Beurten. Recorded bansuri for Konstantin Ruchadze, Multitrack CD by Radio6 and for producer Gumnaam. Programmer for the 2012 edition of U-Jazz Festival.
• 2012; recordings (The Netherlands, Dakar Senegal): Mark Lotz & Omar Ka, A Fula's Call, Izaline Callister, Papis Ndiaye.
▪ 2013; concerts (Holland, Senegal, France, French Guiana, Turkey); Miro's Move, Sumru Ağıryürüyen, Paulo Chagas, Islak Köpek, Lotz/Erel, Sibel Köse/Mark Lotz Quinet, Duygu Demir, Yahya Dai, Raj Mohan, Sandhya Sanjana, IstanPOOL with a.o. Michael Moore & Anne La Berge, The Hague Ethospheric Orchestra feat. Oene van Geel and Tom Beek, duo concerts with Daan Herweg and Achim Heine, Bram Stadshouders and Mark van Tongeren, Snijders/Lotz, Solo.
• 2013; recordings; Raj Mohan with a.o. Zapp4. Recordings for Abou Thiam and his CD Ngaari Laaw (Fouta, Senegal)
▪ 2014 concerts (Germany, Holland, USA); Dario Farello, Laurend Rodz, Sandhya Sanjana, Mark Lotz & A Fula's Call, Mark Lotz Solo, Purves/Lotz feat. Anton Goudsmit, Jean Luc Thomas, Neco Novellas & Stefan Schmid, Miro Move, Snijders/Os/Lotz Trio, T(w)o-Do, Hans Hasebos/Michael Vatcher/Marcos Baggani/Wilbert De Jode/Han Buhrs, Ernst Glerum/Jeffrey Bruinsma/Joshua Samson, Cheryl Pyle.
▪ 2014; recordings; Snijders/Os/Trio, Mark Lotz Solo Flutes, Gijs Batelaan, CD Emotional Orbit
▪ 2015; concerts (Holland, Germany, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, France); Solo Flutes, Lotz/Erel Duo with Gebhard Ullman, Frank Gratkowski, Nicola L. Hein, Three Basses And A Flute with Meinrad Kneer, Klaus Kürvers, Adam Pultz Melbye, Daan Herweg, Tjitze Vogel, Sarp Maden, Bora Celiker, Sevket Akinci, Giray Gürkal, Gülsah Erol, Umut Caglar, Can Omer Uygan, Raj Mohan, Genetic Choir, Duo Lotz/Purves, M-M-M, Shih-Yang Lee, Bob Ostertag, Alessandro Bosetti, Fangy-Lu, Mike Tsang, Ying-Da Chen, Ing Lang, Shen Piji, Pierre Veniot, Sze Ka Yan, Nelson Hui, Paul Yip, Li Jihazeng, Qing Song; dansers Marloes van Houten, David Leung, Ara Cho, etc; HKU Jazz Flute Quartet, Laurent Avizou, danser Christine Couzi.
▪ 2015; recordings for Gumnam, and with Cheryl Pyle in NYC.
▪ 2016; concerts (Holland, Germany, Belgium, France, China, Spain, Portugal, Scottland, Poland, India, Austria); Solo Flutes, 'Flutes n' Squeeks' with Purves/Lotz Duo, Elisabetta Lanifredi, Meinrad Kneer, Korhan Erel, Erik Wong, Irene Klepl, Angelika Sheridan, 'Mark Lotz & A Fula's Call', Ernst Reijseger, Lotz Of Music, Claudio Puntin, Bayin Muren, Paulo Caruda, Miguel Miro, Paulo Chagas, David Golek, Ricardo Tejero, Javier Entonado, Victor Zamora, Joel Silva, Carlos Baretto, Laurent Rochelle, Frédéric Schadoroff, Eric Boccalini, Estrella Acosta, Mark Bischoff, Pedro Luis Pardo, Luc van Eendenburg, Joe Rivera, Armando Vidal, Anil Eraslan, David Patrick, Tom McNiven, Sam Coombes, Ole Seimetz, Max Grosch, Calum Robertson, Andrew Robb, Phil O'Malley, Brian Molley, John Kenny, Lamin Kuyateh, Suresh Sardjoe, Jonatan Szer, Diego Cortez, Gonzalo Lopes, Raj Mohan, Lourens van Haaften, Marco van Os, Folker Tettero, Lina Alemano, Mathias Müller, Yorgos Dimitriadis, Piotr Wojnarowski, Liliana Zieniawa, Alex Clov Baczkowski, Alessio Zucca, Rogier Telderman, Efe Erdem, Alex Simu, Mehmet Polat, Dymphy Peters, Jeannine Valeriano, Maarten Ornstein, Yasmine Allas, Joel Wilson, Paul Pallesen, Ivo Bol, Ilse Van Haasdrecht, Heiko Dijker, Sharat Chandra Srivastava, Igor Bezget, Mayank Bedekar, Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Harshit Misra, David Tappesser, Pranai Gurung, Auxanne Cartigny, Jörg Brinkmann, Daniel Marques.
▪ 2016; live recordings with Lotz Of Music in Neerpelt, Belgium.
▪ 2017; concerts (Holland, Germany, Nepal, India, Spain, France); Solo Flutes,, Purves/Lotz Duo, Eric Surmenian, Laurent Paris, Daniel Marques/Mark Lotz duo, Mandala Tribe, Raj Rajat, Raj Mohan, Daan Herweg, Achim Heine, Lorenzo Buffa, Rogier Telderman, Efe Erdem, Alex Simu, Steven Kamperman, Coen Kaldeway, Christoph May, Thomas Strønen, David Golek, Pat Cleaver, Marco Santos. Phillip Moser, Iman Spaargaren, Theo Holsheimer, Kristina Fuchs.
▪ 2017; recordings for Rory Ronde/Gijs van Stralen, Simone Croes, Raj Mohan, Gabriel Selfie, Mark Lotz /Alan Purves.
▪ 2018; concerts (Holland, Germany, India, Poland, Portugal, Italy, France, Taiwan, Okinawa); Shanyne Ballantyne, Sandeep Madhavan, Imran Khan, Sonic, Pranai Gurung, Nimisha Shankar, Matteo Fraboni, Holger Jetter, Christos Yerolatsitis, Aron Nyiro, Anurag Naidu, Dee Wood, Sahil Shah, Deepak Srinivas, Maximiliano De Miranda, Eric Wong, Korhan Erel, Grzegorz Piasecki, Wojciech Bulinski, Robert Jarmuzek, Grzegorz Pauka, Kuba Plucek, Leszek Hefi Wisniowski, Marek Choloniewski, Rafal Mazur, Fleurine, Ian Faquini, Alaor Soares, Vitor Goncalves, Eduardo Belo, Bert Lochs, Henk de Ligt, Alan Purves/Mark Lotz, Estrella Acosta, Luc Eendenburg, Jorge Martinez Galan, Armando Vidal, Joe Rivera, Pedro Pardo, Nelson Cascais, Joao-Paulo Silva, Martin Andersen, Maria Do Mar, Carla Santana, Joanna Guerra, Alex Sarrouy, Luis Vicente, Pedro Melo Alves, Boris Martins Nunes, Paulo Galao, Carlos Canao, Paulo Chagas, Fernando Simoes, Bruno Goncalves, Pedro Santo, Alfonso Castanheira, Miguel Mira, Paulo Leal de Duarte, Maria Radich, Joao Madeira, Carlos Zingaro, Laurent Paris, Romain Baudoin, Felicity Provan, Rogier Hornman, Wilbert De Joode, Shih-Yang Lee, Li-Chin Li, Min-Yeh Terry Hsieh, Chun-Te Liu, Dawan Yingfang Huang, Chaoming Tung, Mark van Tongeren, Gin Lin, Ing-Lang Chang, Ying-Da Cheng, Katsura Yamauschi, Gazua Gacha Ueshi, Yoshiki Takahashi, Sebastiaan Kaptein, Hideki Takao, Johma Kosuke.
▪ 2018; collaboration with cineast Michiel van Bakel
▪ 2018; collaboration with dancer Kenzo Kusuda,
▪ 2018; recordings (Poland, Holland) for Raj Mohan and 'Des Astres d'Or' (Raymond Dijkstra)
• 2019: concerts (Holland, Germany) Mandala Tribe, Mark Lotz /Alan Purves, Solo, Andrea Caruso, Ray Mohan, Lourens van Haften, Suresh Sardjoe, Ruben Bekx, Abel Marcel. Initiated the BIM Podium Prijs.
• 2019: recordings: Joona Samuels, EP The Act Of Disintegration, Art As Catharsis, Modij LP Epifania
• 2020: concerts (Holland, Germany); Lotz Of Music, Food Foragers, Solo, Mark Lotz Trio, Mark Lotz Quartet, Ben Bönniger, Mandala Tribe, Organsim Orcestra.
• 2020: recordings; Marieke Snijders/Wieke Garcia, Estrella Acosta, Siavash Kamkar & Martijn Soeterbeek, Food Foragers.
• 2021; composed for theaterplay June (Taiwan)
• 2021; concerts with Mark Lotz Trio, Lotz/Purves, Sojourners Truth, Raj Mohan, Mandala Tribe, Africa Calls, Orient Calls, Brazil Calls, Laima Trio, Solo.
• 2021; recordings; Harald Walkate Septet, Mandala Tribe (video), Michelle David & the True Tones, Felbm
• 2022; concerts (Holland, Poland, Taiwan, Israel) Mark Lotz Trio, Mark Lotz ensemble, Mandala Tribe, Africa Calls, Laima Trio, Solo, New York Second, Grzech Pietrowskis World Orchestra and a online stremming concert w.a.o. Min Yeh Terry & Li Li-Chin, Atempo Trio, Itay Amir, Yoav Lachovitzky, Adaya Godelevsky, Maya Felixbrodt, Tobias Nijboer, John Engels, Bert van den Brink, Frans van Geest.
• 2022; recordings; Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out!, Mark Lotz Freshta, Iye Echa & Mark Lotz.
• 2023; concerts (Netherlnads, Finland) Ella Zirina/Tijs Klassen, Mark Lotz Trio, Mandala Tribe, René van Helsdingen, Gambia Calls, Mark Lotz 'Freshta' ensemble, Solo Flutes, Jeroen van Vliet/Marius Beets, Lotz/Purves feat. Hefi Leszek Wiesnowski & Pau Sola, Harald Walkate New York Second, Sid Hille, Niklas Winter.
• recordings; Felbm, Konstantin Ruchadze
2024; concerts (Netherlands, Turkey, Uganda) a.o. with Enok Lugumba, Magda Mendes, Paulo Bouwman, Marijn van der Linden, Mandala Tribe, Mark Lotz Trio, Sarp Maden, Kamil Erdem, Sibel Kose, Duygu Demir, Ali Peret, Oguz Buyukberber, Meric Demirol, Volkan Erkan, Yhaya Dai, Yunus Mutti, Batuhan Toyhan, Sevket Akinci, Claudio Puntin, Jeroen van Vliet, Jörg Brinkmann, Dirk-Peter Kölsch, Epiphyllum (Solo) Susanna Raya, Igor Bezget, Sharat Shrivastava, Sekou Diabate, New York Second of Harald Walkate.
2024; recordings, Harald Walkate’s New York Second, Mandala Tribe
2025, concerts (Netherlands, Finland, Turkey), New York Second of Harald Walkate, Jamie Peet, Zack Lober, Sid Hille, Winter/Lotz, Pauli Lyytinen, Ville Luukonen, Kamil Erdem, Sibel Kose, Peter Samas.