CD Freshta

by Mark Lotz

The album is dedicated to the memory of female activist Freshta Kohistani. It is the result of the composition assignment by the Dutch author organization BUMA and the Federation Of Dutch Jazz Festivals VNJJ which was dedicated to the women of Afghanistan.

Info

ZenneZ/Berthold records, november 2023
EAN 878-90-833214-1-7 / Catalogue number ZR2023023

Produced by Mark Alban Lotz
Recorded at Power Sound Studio Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 & 3 May, 2022 by Jorris Wolff.
Mixed at CL-Audio Studio Berlin by CP July 2022
Mastered by Micha de Kanter

Artwork by Frauke Erichsen
Cover Foto by Andrew Quiltry
Foto Mark Lotz by Krijn van Noordwijk

Thanks to Buma/Stemra, VNJJ & Pieter Schoonderwoerd, Lourens van Haaften for the track order and Tammo Heikens for the recording of rain.

A portion of the proceeds from this album will be donated to Care Nederland.

Musicians

All tracks

Freshta 2:46
(For Freshta Kohistani)
Malalai 4:07
(For Malalai Joya)
Malala 6:42
(For Malala Yousafzai)
Durga’s Lalit 8:07
(For Durga Gawde)
Nasrin 5:42
(For Nasrin Sotoudeh)
Isabel 5:52
(For Isabel Cabanillas de la Torre)
Wangarĩ 9:18
(For Wangarĩ Muta Maathai)
Frouzan 5:42
(For Frouzan Safi)
Mahbouba 3:25
(For Mahbouba Seraj)
Hasina 6:54
(For Hasina Saifi Rastgaar)
For Viji 4:18
(For Viji Penkoottu)

total time +/- 60 min

all compositions by Mark Alban Lotz

Press

Jazzbuzz (Greece)
“Deeply human approach.”

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

Jazz (Portugal)
“Human and social music in improvisation.”

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

Jazzflits (The Netherlands)
“A musical pamphlet that makes you think.”

More Press reactions

Order

On the music

I wanted the album “Freshta” to be filled with emotions, articulating and bearing witness to relevant matters. A musical journey that showcases the unique voices and creativity of my new ensemble and to create a tapestry of contemporary sounds. Music with depth from the perspective of a European world citizen. My back ground is also partly modern classical and I feel very drawn to a chamber musical sound and instrumentation.

Each composition is dedicated to a female activist, many from Afghanistan, evoking a distinct mood and atmosphere. I hope that this music gives a musical experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates these strong women. It is a very inspiring journey.

I collaborate with some of my favorite European jazz musicians in order to having them adding depth and complexity 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 withy the synergy between these musicians and friends. The listeners should find themselves immersed in a sonic landscape that blends jazz and world music elements with modern sensibilities.

JazzHalo (Belgium)

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

Salt Peanuts (Norway)

“Captivating emotional power, beauty and elegance.”

Jazzbuzz (Greece)

“Deeply human approach.”

Culture Jazz (France)

“Sometimes buoyant and introspective, more rhythmic and combative at other times, but always expressive. The five members of the quintet demonstrate undeniable cohesion.”

La Habitation Del Jazz (Spain)

“On this album, the classical chamber sound meets European-style jazz. Mark Lotz once again demonstrates his qualities as an instrumentalist and composer.”