Korhan met Mark Alban Lotz in Istanbul in 2010, a few days before they went into the stuido to record Islak Köpek’s album “Istanbul Improv Sessions May 4th”. That album, released in 2011 on Evil Rabbit Recordings, has been receiving quite good reviews and still getting air time on radios. Four of the tracks on the albums were duos with Mark and Korhan, and they have been especially received well, which led the two to start a duo. They played several concerts in the Netherlands including one with Dutch free jazz greats Eric Boeren (trumpet) and Wolter Wierbos (trombone) in 2011. They have also started the sextet IstanPOOL, which consists of three musicians each from the Netherlands and Turkey. Mark and Korhan will play two concerts at Sowieso on February 12 and 14. Both shows will start with a solo set by Mark. Following that, Lotz / Erel duo will play as a duo as well as with guests. On the 12th, Frank Gratkowski on reeds will join the duo. On the14th, Gebhard Ullmann on reeds and Nicola Hein on guitar will be guests.

Mark Lotz, flutes, electronics
Korhan Erel, computer, controllers
Frank Gratkowski, reeds (Feb 12)
Gebhard Ullmann, reeds and Nicola Hein, guitar (Feb 14)

Nicola Hein and Korhan Erel will also play together in the concert featuring their trio with Christian Marien on drums, which will be the trio’s third concert in Berlin. This time, they take sax player Peter van Huffel with them to play at Shangl Hangl on February 13 in Berlin.

Peter van Huffel, saxophone
Nicola Hein, guitar
Christian Marien, drums
Korhan Erel, computer, controllers