Korhan Erel & Mark Lotz

Compositions and Improvisations in Contemporary Music

Play Video

Korhan Erel & Mark Lotz

Korhan Erel • electronics, controllers

Mark Lotz • flutes

<a href="https://markalbanlotz.bandcamp.com/album/istanbul-improv-sessions-may-4th">Istanbul Improv Sessions May 4th von Mark Lotz & Islak Köpek</a>

In 2010, Korhan Erel and Mark Alban Lotz first connected in Istanbul, where they recorded the C D Istanbul Improv Sessions May 4th with Islak Köpek. This release featured three duets between Erel and Lotz, marking the start of their duo collaboration in electro-acoustic music. Their work integrates computer-generated sounds and textures with a vast array of flutes and playing techniques, creating an energetic flow of spontaneous ideas. Merging influences from diverse musical and sonic backgrounds, the duo’s performances generate an atmosphere of surprise and tension, communicated through tones, textures, and noise.

The CD, also featuring Islak Köpek, was hailed for its stunning interaction, especially between Lotz’s flute and Erel’s electronic manipulations, creating a unique balance of organic and digital sounds. The album features duets between Mark Lotz and Korhan Erel, capturing their innovative mix of electro-acoustic improvisation. Tracks include: “Throat, “Mouthstrap”, “Mouthtrap”.

Download EPK

Projects

IstanPOOL (2013): A Dutch-Turkish collaboration of improvisers initiated by Korhan Erel and Mark Alban Lotz.
Berlin (2014): Collaboration with Nicola L. Hein (guitar), Frank Gratowski and Gebhart Ullmann (saxophones, clarinets).

Performances

2011: Duo performances in Holland with invited musicians: Han Buhrs, Robert van Heumen, Wolter Wierbos, Eric Boeren.
2013: IstanPOOL tour in Holland, featuring Michael Moore, Robert van Heumen, Şevket Akıncı, Giray Gürkal.
2013: Duo performances in Istanbul with invited musicians: Paulo Chagas, Fernando Simões, Nuno Morao, Sumru Agiryürüyen, Paulo Duarte, Çağlayan Yıldız.

Press snippets

Le Son Du Grisly (Canada)
“But the most beautiful snapshots are between the assets of the flutist and Korhan Erel: between aboriginal winds and an electronic gargles some strong ideas are accomplished here.”

NYC Jazz City Records, Downtown Gallery (NYC, USA)
“The interaction is extremely solid, spirited and filled with surprises twists and turns.”

Bad Alchemy (Germany)
“To most striking interactions specifically count Lotz flute within the electron bombardment of Erel, above all, the animalistic tracks ‚Throat’ and Mouthharp’.”

Citizen Jazz (France)
“It is difficult to separate the electronic breath abrasions; persistent alchemy signing the strong bond between Lotz and Erel. ‘Mouthstrap’ and its synthetic ringing evokes a Tibetan temple revisited by musique concrete.”

: Mark Lotz / Islak Köpek (Evil Rabbit cover)

: Citizen-Jazz

: London Resonance

: Jazzword

: Jazzscene

: Jazzism

: Jazzflits

: Jazz

: Bad Alchemy

: (Free)-Jazz-Alchemist

: Monsier Delire

: Vrij Nederland

: Toma jazz

: NYC-Jazz-Record-Magazine

: Mojo Magazine

Band Members

Korhan Erel

laptop, controllers, sound processing

Korhan Erel is a Turkish computer musician, improviser and sound designer currently based in Berlin. As a founding member of Islak Köpek, Turkey’s pioneer free improvisation group, he is a key player in Istanbul’s vibrant experimental music culture. His process of instrument design is based on live manipulations of field recordings, found sounds and electronic sounds using wireless controllers, resulting in instruments that create space around them for collaborators to participate. Korhan seeks new ways of integrating the computer as a conventional instrument in free improvisation and new music ensembles through his instrument Omnibus. Among his collaborators are: Le Quan Ninh, Michel Doneda, Richard Nunns, Tolga Tüzün, David Rothenberg, Karlheinz Essl, Robert van Heumen, Kirstie Simpson, Wilbert de Joode, Wolter Wierbos, etc. Korhan’s passion and inspiration lies in creating sonic patterns, textures for visual work. Korhan’s sound design for theater, video and dance has been featured in festivals in Istanbul and Europe. He designed sound for three theater pieces and has ongoing collaborations with Vienna-based video artist Alexandra Reill and London-based Turkish visual artist Burcu Yağcıoğlu. Released five albums. Performed in Austria, Holland, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Turkey, United Kingdom. Mexico.

Mark Alban Lotz

piccolo, concert-, alto-, bass-, pvc contra bass flutes, prepared flute, game calls, voice, fx

Veracious improviser and composer who is transporting his fascinating horn into new areas of cutting edge contemporary music. Owns a distinctive personal language that combines esthetics and techniques of contemporary and classical music with the virility of jazz. Even when stripped to the essence Lotz conveys a joyful catchiness here. A vibrant presence on the international scene, with solo performances which took him all over the globe. A significant figure on the Dutch improvised music scene for around 30 years, both as leader of his groups and part of ensembles of prominent artists. Composed for setting ranging from solo to Piano Trio, String Quartet, large Ensemble. His many collaborations received high acclaim. Professor for flute at the Utrecht and Rotterdam Conservatories