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Mark Alban Lotz: Istanbul Improv Sessions May 5th
ByLotz is an emphatic presence across all ten tracks, with the other musicians joining him in an array of combinations from duets to sextets. This variation in lineups helps to ensure an ever-shifting set of moods and sounds. There's the almost laugh-out-loud humor of "Soroaster" and Roland Kirk tribute "R.R.K Rahasaan" both featuring Michael Hays on bass and some uncredited vocalizing, the tensions of "North Star" or "Ursuppe," and the light-heartedness of "Animal Rites" with its mix of Alexandre Toisoul's clarinet, Lotz' flute and Can Ömer Uygan's trumpet.
Much of the contrast in mood is due to the use of effects and electric guitar to create tension and mysteryUmut Çağlar's rasping, metallic, guitar makes parts of "Küsendem" and "Open Air Party" genuinely unsettling. The improvisations that are wholly performed on acoustic instruments are generally lighter and more welcoming. "Dr. No" is the exception: a spacious duet on which Lotz' hard-toned flute and Florent Merlet's sparse percussion set up an almost threatening atmosphere.
Lotz's Bite! (LopLop Records, 2009) was inspired by fish. While this album sports a similar fish-related cover design, the music has no such inspiration, but it's filled with inventive improvisations nonetheless. At times troubling, at others funny and warm, the music on Istanbul Improv Sessions May 5th has impressive depth and richness.
Track Listing
North Star; Animal Rites; R.R.K. Rahasaan; Ursuppe; Küsendem; Dr. No; Open Air Party; Friction; Sintactics; Soroaster.
Personnel
Mark Lotz
fluteMark Alban Lotz: piccolo, c-flute, alto-flute, bass-flute, prepared flute; Alexandre Toisoul: clarinet (2, 4, 5, 7-9); Can Ömer Uygan: trumpet, analog effects (1, 2, 4, 5, 7-9); Umut Çağlar: electric guitar, analog effects (1, 4, 5, 7-9); Michael Hays: bass (3, 8-10); Florent Merlet: drums (6, 8-10).
Album information
Title: Istanbul Improv Sessions May 5th | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: LopLop Records
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