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Erik Friedlander: Cello Ahead

by Ludovico Granvassu
Together with artists like Ernst Reijseger, Vincent Courtois, Peggy Lee, Fred Lonberg-Holm or Rufus Cappadocia, Erik Friedlander is one of the 'new wave' of cellists in jazz and improvised music. Oscar Pettiford, Harry Babasin, Sam Jones and Ray Brown pioneered the introduction of cello in jazz, but they mainly were bassists (like later Ron Carter, Buell Neidlinger and Dave Holland). Innovators like Chico Hamilton, Eric Dolphy, Albert Ayler and Julius Hemphill, envisaged a greater role for the cello relying on ...
Continue ReadingErik Friedlander: Skin

by David Adler
The second release by cellist Erik Friedlanders group Topaz, this disc features original compositions as well as material by Henry Mancini, Charles Mingus, Julius Hemphill, Carlos Santana, and Iranian vocalist Googoosh. In terms of instrumentation and style, the music on Skin bears a distinct resemblance to the ethnic fusion of Matt Darriau's Paradox Trio. Satoshi Takeishi's multi-timbral percussion, which takes the place of a conventional drum set, provides an added layer of exoticism, as do several guest appearances by cimbalom ...
Continue ReadingErik Friedlander: Skin

by Derek Taylor
The 90s will be remembered for many things when it comes to jazz. One of the most striking trends that surfaced during the decade was a resurgence in Klezmer music spearheaded by a community of New York based improvisers. Through their diligent efforts the music is not only enjoying a renaissance, it is also being stretched and reshaped in fresh and untried ways. John Zorn remains arguably the most publicized player among their number and his numerous Masada projects are ...
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