Loire (Lori Cotler)

Loire, (born Lori Cotler) is a Jewish American Rhythm Vocalist, composer, recording artist and educator known for her outstanding Konnakol and Scat singing abilities. Born in New York City and raised in Roslyn Estates, New York, she began studying piano at age six and began writing songs at 11.

Loire attended a gifted magnet school for the performing arts called Long Island High School for the Arts and was chosen as honorary speaker and performer at the graduation ceremony. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree of Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, followed by a Master's Degree in Music Therapy from New York University.

During her teens her Jazz mentor Dave Burns introduced Loire to scat singing, which similar to Konnakol, demanding the vocal reproduction of complex and often up-tempo instrumental material. Other important teachers include, Piano and Harpsichord virtuoso Barbara Kupferberg and Jazz Vocalists Bob Stoloff, Mili Bermajo, and Dominique Eade.

She contributes much of her rhythmic approach and Konnakol studies to her collaboration (2002–present) with composer and four-time Grammy winner Glen Velez. She has also studied Konnakol with Ghatam and Konnakol master Subash Chandran. She has also studied briefly with the Mrdangam master Vinod (VR) Venkataram.

She is regularly invited to conduct master classes and workshops at The Juilliard School and other prestigious conservatories and universities around the World.

• Glen Velez
• Josefien Stoppelenburg
• JacobTV
• Murat Coşkun
• Others: Lew Soloff, Steve Gorn, Enrique Haneine, Howard Levy, Sonny Fortune, Eugene Friesen, David Darling, Adam Rogers, Edward Bilous, Robert Miller, Michelle Dibucci, Murat Coskun, Enzo Rao, Kepa Junkera, Paul Giger, Shane Shanahan, Yousif Sheronick, VK Raman, Nina Stern, Chitravina Ravikiran, Milica Paranosic, Paolo Prestini, Trichy Sankaran, Buglisi Dance Theater, Alison Chase Apogee Theater (co-founder Pilobolus), Mimi Garrard VideoDance, Bridgman/Packer Dance, Nai-Ni Chen Dance. Axiom Ensemble, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, Netherlands Wind Ensemble, Taipei Chinese Orchestra, National Chinese Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra.

• New York Times, A Cellist and Her Friends Explore Multicultural Harmonies
• Chicago Tribune, Video opera a funny-serious sendup of TV news fishbowl
• Chicago Sun-Times, Headlines set to melody lines
• Murat Coşkun

Loire was a Professor of Music Therapy at The New School (2001–2007). From 1996-2002, she worked extensively in clinics and hospitals around New York City with populations as Adult Psychiatry, Foster Children/At-Risk Teens, Autism and Brain Injuries. Her Music Therapy expertise has greatly influenced her approach to the voice. Loire continues to lend her talents to supporting Music Therapy charities and has been actively collaborating with Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Inc.

Loire has been the featured soloist in THE NEWS: a reality opera by avant-pop composer JacobTV, and she is credited for composing vocal parts for the arias Stock Market, Bounce or Decline and Lamento. All of her performances have received rave reviews,

Including the Netherlands Wind Ensemble De Volkskrant and NRC Handelsblad. She maintains an active touring schedule with Glen Velez and is also a core member of MEDIEVAL MANTRA with Nina Stern and Glen Velez. Loire frequently collaborates with composer and multimedia artist Milica Paranosic.

"Rhythm Vocalist" is a term Loire coined to describe her signature performance style. It primarily involves her usage of Vocal improvisation, scat singing and konnakol as a performance role in musical settings. She bases her method of performing in rhythmic inter-connectivity, making an effort to connect with the rhythmic pulse of the music she performs in on a personal level. She cites her mentor and husband Glen Velez and his "Glen Velez Hand Dance Method" as an influence in her rhythmic techniques.

Featured Soloist

• 2013 - (single release) Cucurrucucú Paloma
• 2010 - "Herria" (Elkar/Warner Bros.) Kepa Junkera; Lori Cotler featured on "Markesaran Alaba"
• 2009 - "Breathing Rhythms Duo" (Daftof Records); Glen Velez and Lori Cotler
• 2008 - "Rhythms of the Chakras Vol. 2" Glen Velez (SoundsTrue)
• 2006 - "Hiri" (Elkar) Kepa Junkera; Lori Cotler featured on "Tatihou"
• 2005 - "Rhythms of Awakening" Glen Velez (SoundsTrue)
• 2003 - "Elephant Hotel"(hyperlink: http://glenvelez.com/shop/music/) (Daftof Records); Glen Velez and Lori Cotler
• 2003- AfroMantra "Alignment" (Mambo Maniacs Record) Lori Cotler is featured on "Transparencias" (composer, Alex Garcia)

Dance Scores

• 2012–present: "Whirlwind" (Glen Velez) performances with Nai-Ni Chen Dance
• 2009–present: "Mirage" performances with Nai-Ni Chen Dance
• 2007–present: "Trilogy" (Glen Velez) performances with Bridgman/Packer Dance
• 2004: Rain (Glen Velez) performances with Buglisi Dance Theater

Commercials

• 2015 - Raw Spirit Fragrances
• 2009 - Tiffany & CO
• 2005 - Frangelico USA Rope TV Advert
• 2004 - CVS Extra Care (Robert Miller, RMI)

Film

• 2009 - Documentary "Renewing Creativity: Renewing American Culture - The Pursuit of Happiness"
• 2005 - Why We Fight (Film by Eugene Jarecki; Composer, Robert Miller)
• 2001 - In an Instant (Film by Bruce Ashley; Music by Lori Cotler, Nik Leman)

• Markesaran Alaba
• Vimeo page on Tatihou
• ^ Raw Spirit, Vocals, Loire Cotler
• Frangelico - "Rope"
• CVS Extra Care commercial, 2004
• Vimeo.com: "Renewing Creativity: Renewing American Culture - The Pursuit of Happiness"
• Robert Miller IMDB