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Erik Friedlander: Prowl
Friedlander's Topaz quartetwith Andy Laster on alto saxophone and clarinet and the Takeishi brothers Stomu on bass and Satoshi on percussioncelebrates its tenth anniversary with this, the group's fourth CD. Their collective history is reflected in the performances: the fluid movement during ensemble passages and the musicians' seamless switching of roles between soloist and accompanist, or melody and rhythm, as the music demands. This chameleon-like prowess subverts the obvious for refreshing twists. Topaz has always been rhythmically oriented, Friedlander explains in the liners, and on Prowl the compositions are built around various African musical traditions. When transplanted to this instrumentation, the results are dramatic.
"Howling Circle opens with a flash of cello pyrotechnics while Satoshi builds the relentless off-kilter two-hit pattern as the foundation for Friedlander's smoothly bowed melancholic line, later doubled by Laster's alto for an affecting conclusion. Clarinet and cello blend for the charming lilt of "Anhinga ; Friedlander's pizzicato during his solo alters the texture, providing contrast, while Laster uses the lovely theme for an ethereal turn, eventually flowing back into unison.
The Takeishis provide the structure for "Chanting, which steadily builds as cello and sax swirl around a complex rhythmic pattern, ultimately joining together for an emphatic theme. Stomu takes a solo run on the subdued unfolding of "Rain Bearers, playing against type. Throughout the recording, Satoshi's atypical percussive palette colors the tunes for ambience and effective punctuation. Topaz's collective talents culminate on the closing "Najime, whose melody's heightened urgency propels the group to a rousing finish.
Track Listing
Howling Circle; Anhinga; Prowl; Chanting; 7th Sister; Rain Bearers; A Dangerous Game; A close Walk With Thee; Najime.
Personnel
Erik Friedlander
celloErik Friedlander: cello; Andy Laster: alto saxophone, clarinet; Stomu Takeishi: electric bass; Satoshi Takeishi: percussion.
Album information
Title: Prowl | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Cryptogramophone