Luc Houtkamp is a composer/saxophonist who bridges the gap between the worlds of jazz-derived free improvisation and computer-based composition and performance. He has arrived at an unique approach to the saxophone that uses many special techniques, such as: slaptongue, shakes, multiphonics, and circulair breathing. An other typical feature is his strong understanding of form and structure that give the impression that his music is a completely composed one. He has been working equally in electronics and on the saxophone for years, and his development as a player has been accompanied by an interest in electronic textures.

In Houtkamp's interactive computer based work, a computer programme assumes the role of an improvising listener and co-musician. The computer analyzes sound input from the live performer and controls MIDI gear, either synthesizers or sound processing devices modifying the live player's sound. The software allow the computer to "listen" and respond to a live instrumental improviser. Houtkamp often choses idiosyncratic voices for his computer music. His digital partners are player pianos, harmonizers, and self-written DSP software, rather than synthesizers. This leads to a very personal music that deflects the technology of its production and ends up sounding new but familiar at the same time.

Houtkamp has played and recorded with the "who-is-who" of contemporary improvised music: Fred van Hove, Johannes and Conrad Bauer, Han Bennink, George Lewis, Herb Robertson, Ernst Reijseger, and groups such as FOURinONE, King Ubu Orchestrue and Fred van Hove's F.I. Quartet.

Luc Houtkamp: The Duo Recordings (X-OR FR 7 )

Luc Houtkamp, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, in duo with:

Tracks: George Lewis, trombone: Rendang heat wave --- Gert-Jan Prins, timpani: De pijp --- John Russell, acoustic plectrum guitar: Bubble & squeak --- Martin Blume, percussion: Kickin' the gong around --- Wiek Hijmans, electric guitar: Appel & Ei --- Lori Freedman, bass clarinet: Beertje --- Ned Rothenberg, alto saxophone: Tickle toe --- IMISAM II (interactive computer program written by Luc Houtkamp), disklavier: Duo for man alone --- Guenter Christmann, trombone: Tokoloshes paradise

F.I. Quartet - live at free music XXVII antwerp, 2000 (X-OR FR 1)

Herb Robertson, trumpet, flutes - Luc Houtkamp, tenor and alto saxophones - Fred van Hove, piano, accordion - Ivo vander Borght, percussion

Tracks: First interpellation - Four iterations - For if

Luc Houtkamp - Exercise in Swing - new developments in electronic jazz (X-OR CD 011)

Luc Houtkamp: digital pulse conglomerations, compositions (except track 7: Cole Porter)
Recording date: February-May 2001.

Tracks: Exercise in swing - In tilting motion ..two voices .. negative version - Fon Mall .. Piobaireachta - Gugelhupf stomp - Trapped nervous system - In tilting motion .. three voices - Everytime we say goodbye (major to minor complex)

FOURinONE
Luc Houtkamp - saxophones; Johannes Bauer - trombone; Dieter Manderscheid - bass; Martin Blume - percussion.
F.I. Quartet
Luc Houtkamp - saxophones; Herb Robertson - trumpet; Fred van Hove - piano; Ivo Vander Borght - percussion
Houtkamp's Pow3
Han Buhrs - voice; Luc Houtkamp - computer, software, tenor saxophones; Guy Harries - computer, keyboards; Paul Jeukendrup - sound engineering and computer
Trio Oggetti Smarriti
Luc Houtkamp - saxopones & computer; Riccardo Massari Spiritini - electronics & turntables; Wiek Hijmans - electric guitar
Suppi Trio
Luc Houtkamp - saxophones, computers, Armin Pokorn - electric guitar; Josef Klammer - percussion, electronics