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| Erik Friendlander's 'Block Ice & Propane' While some of the compositions on Erik Friedlander's new album 'Block Ice & Propane' (August 14/Skipstone Records) took shape over years, five pieces were improvised on the spot in the studio. Friedlander brought excerpts from books by Faulkner, Cormac McCarthy, Zane Grey, and John Berryman to the studio to use as launching points for improvisations -- translating his feelings for the words to the cello. "I would choose passages with strong visual content and would respond intuitively to that", says the acclaimed cellist. "Sometimes one word or a tone or an image could provide strong inspiration for improvisations. " Friedlander worked closely with engineer Scott Solter, who was manipulating the sound of the cello live, using subtle electronics. After reading the excerpt the two would go to work; all of these tracks are first takes. The autumnal "Rusting In Honeysuckle", its track title borrowed from McCarthy, evokes car horns, insects and metal chains in the wind. With a droning high hiss, "Pressure Cooking" unveils itself hypnotically. "Road Weary", "A Thousand Unpieced Suns", and "Cold Chicken" were also created live in the studio. This is not the first time Erik's improvised to text. You can hear him demonstrate the technique and discuss how the idea came about on WNYC's Next Best Thing back in 2003. A longtime veteran of NYC's downtown scene, Friedlander has not only backed John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Courtney Love, and The Mountain Goats, but has also recorded 8 CDs as a leader. Whether playing solo or with one of his bands, Friedlander pushes the limits of what the cello can do, while maintaining a firm grasp on its traditions. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |