Erik Friedlander Topaz CD

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

Cello players are abundant in classical music, but in jazz, they've been a rarity. One jazzman who made the cello his primary instrument in the '90s was Erik Friedlander. Even if the New Yorker used his cello for nothing but straight bebop tunes, standards and Charlie Parker classics, he would be doing something unusual because there isn't a lot of history of bop being played on the cello. But Friedlander is no retro-bopper -- his music is challenging, cerebral avant-garde jazz that favors an inside/outside approach and sometimes incorporates funk and Middle Eastern elements. Joined by alto saxophonist Andy Laster, electric bassist Stomu Takeishi and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi, Friedlander takes his share of chances on Topaz. When his cohesive quartet embraces the angular "Three Desperate Men," the quirky "Verdine" (which was presumably named after Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, a band he admires) and the abstract "Hat And Beard," you're hearing a group that isn't confining itself to jazz's mainstream. Topaz, like a lot of avant-garde jazz, isn't easy to absorb on the first listen. But the more times you listen, the more you realize how much this left-of-center CD has going for it. ~ Alex Henderson

"Friedlander has quickly established himself as a potential innovator, playing with the ease and swing of a wind instrument player. Even more importantly, he has brought a cutting edge, imaginative sensibility to his music, refusing to be restricted by the blues and standards of much straight-ahead jazz." Don Heckman, The Los Angeles Times The first CD I made with this fantastic quartet. It began a 10-year run of countless concerts and 4 CD's.Erik Friedlander, cello; Andy Laster, saxophone; Stomu Takeishi, electric bass; Satoshi Takeishi, percussion.Produced by Erik FriedlanderRecorded December 29-30, 1997 at Clinton Recording Studios, NYC.Mixed January 15-22, 1998 at SIAM.Recording Engineer: Jon RosenbergMixing Engineer: Mike LandyMastering: Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, New York City.Executive Producer: Mike LandyArt Direction and Design: Ikue MoriPhotography: Lee Friedlander

Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, New York, New York from January 15-22, 1997.

Personnel: Erik Friedlander (cello); Andy Laster (alto saxophone); Stomu Takeishi (bass); Satoshi Takeishi (percussion).