Kamil Erdem Quartet

Turkish Jazz Cross-over (2007–2011)

Kamil Erdem Quartet

Kamil Erdem (Turkey) – Bass
Mark Alban Lotz (Germany) – Family of flutes, Indian Bansuri
Fatih Ahiskali (Turkey) – Oud
Alan ‘Gunga’ Purves (Scotland) – Percussion, gongs, toys, etc.

Guest Artists:
Meric Donük (Turkey) – Harp
Ediz Hafizoglu (Bulgaria) – Drums

The Kamil Erdem Quartet (2007–2011) was initiated by Kamil Erdem and Mark Lotz as a cross-over project blending jazz and Turkish traditions.

The journey from the Balkans to the Middle East has always crossed many borders. Despite the geographical distance, the music is deeply interconnected: Ottoman, Byzantine, and Anatolian roots, Balkan beats, and Oriental scales have formed an amalgamation of related traditions for centuries.

In the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, musicians like Kamil Erdem and Fatih Ahiskali connected these ancient traditions with contemporary influences. Along with multi-flutist Mark Alban Lotz and Scottish rhythm and sound wizard Alan ‘Gunga’ Purves, they formed an exciting quartet that balanced between tradition and trends, composition and improvisation, East and West.

The album Odd Tango was released by the Turkish AkMuzik label and received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of jazz and Turkish musical traditions.

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Performances

The quartet toured in Holland and Turkey, performing at notable venues like the Ankara Jazz Festival, International Music Festival Ankara, ISKV & Nardis Istanbul, Tropen Institute Amsterdam, among others.

Press on Kamil Erdem Quartet

Mazzmuzikas, Belgium
“Bit by bit, this piece of work grew into a rock of intriguing, contemporary music. Who knows, maybe even ‘the’ jazz of the twenty-first century.”

Volkskrant (The Netherlands)
“Integral team-playing and virtuoso solo’s. Wringing glissandi on top of a steaming groove.”