ERIK FRIEDLANDER

DIRTY BOXING & FLOATING CITY

Skipstone Records

Erik Friedlander, cello; Uri Caine, piano; Wendy Eisenberg, guitar; Mark Helias, bass; Ches Smith, drums; Sara Serpa, voice.

This is a two-CD set that features two sets of musicians.  The “Dirty Boxing” album incorporates an amazing pianist, Uri Caine, into the mix with Ches Smith on drums.  The other bonus project is called “Floating City” and features Wendy Eisenberg on guitar and the vocals of Sara Serpa.  I will begin with the “Dirty Boxing” album that was inspired by Friedlander’s appreciation of mixed martial arts (MMA) and it’s parallel, the disciplined artistry of music.

“I’ve had a growing fascination with the mixed martial arts for about 3-4 years.  The sheer intensity with which these athletes challenge themselves in the octagon is captivating.  It’s a kind of intensity I can relate to.  Performing, in many ways, is about putting yourself to the test, expressing what’s important to you, and sharing your passions, and no one gets hurt in the process,” Friedlander shares his comparison of martial arts with music.

This music is exciting and energetic.  It splashes off my CD player like a tidal wave, from the very first tune titled, “Sprawl.” All the original tune titles are representative of the Martial Arts.  Erik Friedlander’s cello is powerful and leads the ensemble melodically.  Uri Caine shows his wild technique and tenacity on piano.  The bass of Mark Helias races beneath the melody, dancing double-time and invigorating the already energized arrangement.  Ches Smith offers a frenzy of drumsticks and rhythm as Friedlander solos on cello.  This is the kind of jazz I love.  Straight-ahead and unpretentious!  Full of groove, melody and creativity, it blows my listening-room up, powerful as a Santa Ana wind.  During this arrangement, Smith is given a solo to work his drum magic and he does not disappoint.  This album is fresh and spirited.  To hear a cello leading the band is unique, because this is no excursion into chamber music.  This is gutsy, well-written, and masterly played jazz.  It gives one the feeling of being at a boxing match, notes flying like punches and kicks.

They continue with “Foot Stomp” and you will find your foot patting or stomping along with the infectious groove.  This tune has almost an Irish jig undertone.

On the other hand, the second album in this double disc set is more reminiscent of chamber music.  It settles this listener down.  I relax and enjoy the Erik Friedlander continuing concert.  With simply cello, voice, guitar and bass, he takes us on an expedition to imaginary lands and peaceful places. This is a multi-talented arranger, composer, cellist, film score writer and bandleader.  Here is another example of the complex two sides to every coin, to every human, to every situation.  You listen and you choose.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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