Freshta

Music on the edge of contemporary and jazz in a classical instrumented chamber music setting.

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Freshta

Claudio Puntin (Germany/Switzerland) – clarinets
Jörg Brinkmann (Germany) – cello, fx
Jeroen van Vliet (Netherlands) – piano, fx
Dirk-Peter Kölsch (Germany) – percussion
Mark Lotz (Germany/Netherlands) – flutes and bansuri, fx

<a href="https://markalbanlotz.bandcamp.com/album/freshta-2">Freshta von Mark Lotz</a>

Freshta brings music dedicated to Freshta Kohistani, an Afghan women’s rights activist. It blends modern European jazz with a classical chamber music aesthetic. Polyphonic textures and classical instrumentation intertwine with world music influences, energized by the dynamic spirit of jazz. The ensemble navigates a soundscape, ranging from delicate whispers to powerful, immersive walls of sound. Featuring a dream team of European top soloists, the group brings emotional depth to complex and evocative compositions.

The voices of female activists always are powerful, urgent, and deeply inspiring. Freshta is a musical tribute that brings their messages into the present through contemporary jazz. Music which embodies their emotional depth, translate their fight and passion into the present moment.

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About The Music

“I wanted the album “Freshta” to be filled with emotions, articulating and bearing witness to relevant matters.
It’s a journey from the viewpoint of a European world citizen, showcasing the distinct voices and creativity of my new ensemble. With my background in modern classical music, I’ve always been drawn to chamber-style sounds, and this project allowed me to explore that, blending it with contemporary textures.

Working with some of Europe’s top jazz musicians brought a whole new level of depth to the compositions. The production quality of “Freshta” had to be exceptional, allowing every instrument to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound. This was only possible with the synergy between these musicians and friends. I want listeners to feel like they’re stepping into a world of sound that blends jazz and world music elements with modern sensibilities”

About Freshta

The album came to life through a composition assignment commissioned by the Federation of Dutch Jazz Festivals (VNNJJ), supported by BUMA. I dedicated it to Freshta Kohistani, an Afghan women’s rights activist who was killed on December 24th, 2020. Each track is inspired by a different female activist, many from Afghanistan, and aims to capture a unique atmosphere. The goal was to create music that breaks boundaries while serving as a tribute to these female activists, with each composition echoing their energy and actions.

References

We have had the pleasure to work (individually) with renowned artists such as Chris Potter, Jan Bang, Steve Reich, Fred Frith, Carla Bley, Hermeto Pascoal, Steve Swallow, David Tronzo, Thomas Strønen, Kenny Wheeler, Skuli Sverrisson, Martyn Heyne, Holland Symphonia, David Binney, Henry Threadgill, Butch Morris, Frank London, John Escreet, Greg Ward, Herb Robertson, Ngyuen Le, Don Byron, Max Loderbauer, etc.. But also with Dutch artists such as Ernst Reijseger or Han Bennink as well as with orchestras such as the WDR Radio Orchestra Cologne, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, and the Ensemble Modern.

CD productions for ECM, Enja, Sony

Jazzbuzz (Greece)
“Deeply human approach.”

JazzHalo (Belgium)
“A penetrating and equally distressing and serene musical tribute by the Mark Lotz top ensemble.”

Valon Kuvia (Finland)
“Impressive example of music that crosses borders.”

Salt Peanuts (Norway)
“Captivating emotional power, beauty and elegance.”

Band Members

Claudio Puntin

clarinets, electronics

Claudio Puntin merges his traditions in a natural and spontaneous way in a very personal musical language. He combines his clarinet playing with electronic enhancements, preparations and alternate playing techniques. Considered one of the world’s leading creative soloists on all clarinets. Worked together with artists such as Max Loderbauer, Jan Bang, Skuli Sverrisson, Steve Reich, Fred Frith, Sidsel Endresen, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Hermeto Pascoal, Ensemble Modern, Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, WDR Radio Orchestra Cologne, Holland Symphonia, etc. His compositional output includes works for symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles, choirs, electronics, solo instruments, big bands, settings of radio plays, films, theater and other art forms. Claudio set music for works of Anselm Kiefer, books by Daniel Kehlmann, Orhan Pamuk and recorded for ECM, Arjunamusic, 1.61records, Dt. Grammophon lit., a.o.

Jeroen van Vliet

piano, electronics

Jeroen Van Vliet is the fresh 2014 Boy Edgar prize winner and most sought after piano players in Holland. His tasteful playing is documented on a lot of Cd’s as sideman and leader. Jeroen performed with many musicians, both Dutch and foreign, like Eric van der Westen, Bob Malach, Han Bennink, Kenny Wheeler, Eric Vloeimans, Michael Moore, Willem van Manen, Theo Jörgensmann, John Zorn, Norma Winstone, Charly Mariano etc. Van Vliet also composed works for choreographer Hans Tuerlings (Raz), pieces for small ensembles and for short animated films. Toured through a variety of countries in Europe, Africa, USA and Asia.

Dirk-Peter Kölsch

drums

German drummer with an impressive expression and experience worked with a huge cast of artists all over the globe. To name a few: Lenine, Matthew Herbert, Herb Robertson, Ernst Reijseger, Quartetto Pazzo, Peter Brötzmann, Jasper van‘t Hof, Eric Vloeimans, Martin Fondse, Meret Becker, Underkarl, Xu Fengxia, etc.

Jörg Brinkmann

cello, fx

Exciting soloist who expands the possibilities of the cello into cello-free areas. His work with orchestra’s, chamber ensembles and jazz/pop bands brought him all over Europe, Africa, China and Russia. All About Jazz says: creates a multifaceted stylistic approach, comfortably assuming the roll of bassist with the kind of groove that would be unexpected from a classically trained cellist, were it not for his extensive, genre-rich résumé. Represents the viewpoint that the jazz tradition is but one aspect of contemporary improvised music. Worked with a.o. Michiel Braam, ZAPP String4, Herb Robertson, Ngyuen Le, Claudio Puntin, Markus Stockhausen, Eric Vloeimans.

Mark Lotz

flutes, bansuri, fx

Mark Lotz is solist who's performances draws listeners in, taking them on a journey of discovery and often seek out surprising and original settings, challenging conventions. Praised as “one of the world’s top jazz flute players” (Los Angeles Jazz Scene Magazine, USA), Lotz has released 21 albums. His music has received significant industry attention, with extensive radio play and features worldwide. Lotz has collaborated with: Conga legend Miguel ‘Angá’ Diaz, Indian Underground star Najma Akthar, Soloists from Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, Moldovan viola virtuoso Anatol Steffanet, Romanian accordion icon Petar Ralchev, Tibetan songbird Namgyal Lhamo, Senegalese Fula vocalist Omar Ka. In jazz he has worked with international luminaries such as Chris Potter, Don Byron, David Tronzo, Thomas Strønen, NYC Latin legend Eddie Martinez, and Istanbul’s avant-garde group Islak Köpek. In the Netherlands, his collaborations include Theo Loevendie, Ernst Reijseger, Han Bennink, Jesse van Ruller.