The All Music Guide's Jo-Ann Greene describes Block Ice & Propane as “an Americana at once familiar, yet unlike anything heard before, as the musician coaxes his cello into the aural shape of banjos and finger-picked guitars; a truly astounding set." Other critics were similarly impressed, calling the August release “magnificent" (The New Yorker) and “intensely personal, with touches of folk and roots Americana, seamlessly merged with the modern classical and avant-garde strains usually found in Friedlander's music" (Sean Patrick Fitzell, AllAboutJazz.com).
Known as “a bandleader to watch" (Bill Bennett, JazzTimes), Friedlander has both redefined the traditional role of his instrument and established himself as a respected composer at the helm of all-star ensembles such as his quartets, Topaz and Chimera. His extensive and eclectic discography includes eight CDs under his own name, as well as sideman work with creative music luminaries such as Dave Douglas, Marty Ehrlich, Ellery Eskelin, Myra Melford, Wadada Leo Smith and John Zorn. He has also appeared on various movie soundtracks and recordings by jazz legend Lee Konitz, performance artist/vocalist Laurie Anderson, folk singer Judy Collins, and pop favorites Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin and Joss Stone.
Hear Erik Friedlander on the August 4th edition of NPR's All Things Considered :
http:// www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12487964
Check out a short documentary video about Block Ice & Propane:
http:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tmZU4CV3mgc
2007 Fall Jazz Series schedule:
09/21 :: Erik Friedlander
09/28 :: Ted Poor Trio
10/05 :: Michael Musillami Trio with Mark Feldman
10/12 :: The Claudia Quintet
10/19 :: Will Holshouser Trio
10/26 :: Marty Ehrlich/Myra Melford Duo
11/02 :: Rob Brown Trio
11/09 :: Billy Bang Quartet
11/16 :: Andrew Rathbun Quartet
11/30 :: Dave and Barre Phillips
12/07 :: Daniel Levin Quartet
12/14 :: Angelica Sanchez Quintet
For more information contact Improvised Communications.
