Outside the frame of any particular piece is the magic of the chemistry between musicians, which percolates and creates those ‘daily miracles.’ Friedlander composed a collection of songs that gives the musicians a structure for improvisation and sets the stage for fireworks. The band plays with a loose fearlessness that encourages spontaneous eccentricities and moments of synchronicity that were unforeseen, even by its players.

Aurora - Erik Friedlander

Glimmer - Erik Friedlander

I'm editing tracks for a new solo project called "Song of the Scribes"  These are excerpts with no processing, reverb..raw.

Madrigal "Siddur" (raw)

I'm editing tracks for a new solo project called "Song of the Scribes"  Some of these are excerpts with no processing, reverb..raw.

Courante Hypnotique PR mp3

Lucía Puldio (vox) and Erik Friedlander (cello) have come together to collaborate on a celebration of Colombia, it's music and it's poets. Arrullo combines Colombian folk songs from both the Carribean and Pacific coasts with Friedlander's settings of modern Colombian poetry.  

10_Yo no tengo quien me quiera

OSCALYPSO features 9 original Pettiford tunes. “I love the elegance of Pettiford’s lines. He’s such a savvy and joyful composer,” Friedlander explained, “I know he had some rough times with alcohol, and he could be bitter, but his writing is buoyant, even sweet. You can’t help but smile when you play.”  The record has some of Pettiford’s most familiar compositions, like Bohemia After Dark and Tricotism as well as less well known tracks like Cable Car and Cello Again. Joining Friedlander on OSCALYPSO is Trevor Dunn on bass, Michael Sarin on drums, and saxophonist Michael Blake.  

Cellist Erik Friedlander is a composer, an improviser, and a veteran of NYC's Downtown scene. Friedlander started studying music at an early age, beginning at 5 with guitar, and then at 8, cello lessons. Erik spent his twenties honing his skills as a player and an improviser and quickly became a sought after studio musician, performing on 100s of cds. New sideman work continues with contributions to new The Mountain Goats and John Zorn projects. Friedlander's recent works are diverse: Illuminations, a new solo release; Nighthawks, a cd that was conceived during the blackout in lower Manhattan caused by Hurricane Sandy.  Claws & Wings, the elegiac work dedicated to Erik’s late wife, featuring laptop percussionist Ikue Mori and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier; and a limited edition LP with photographer Mitch Epstein entitled American Power.

Michael Blake’s latest cd, Tiddy Boom, a tribute to Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young, was released in 2014. In 2013 Mr. Blake won the Chamber Music America's 2013 New Jazz Works grant. In addition to his own projects he has worked with Ben Allison, Steven Bernstein and John Lurie. Trevor Dunn is a co-founder of the avant-rock band Mr. Bungle, plays with John Zorn’s Electric Masada, and leads Trio-Convulsant, PROOF Readers and MadLove. Michael Sarin made his name first with the Thomas Chapin Trio and continues to work with Ben Allison, David Krakauer Myra Melford, Drew Gress and others.


02_Oscalypso

01_Bohemia After Dark

Initial release: May 22, 2017
Director: Atsuko Hirayanagi
Based on: Oh Lucy; by Atsuko Hirayanagi
Cinematography: Paula Huidobro
Editor: Kate Hickey
Written by: Atsuko Hirayanagi, Boris Frumin

Oh Lucy_ErikFriedlander 05_Setuko Tatoo

Artemisia

The Great Revelation

Seven Heartbreaks

Music cues for "Future Weather" a film by Jenny Deller with music composed by Erik Friedlander.

5M2 Tree Planting

Spade is a short narrative film written and directed by Mandi Riggi based on her original play of the same name.

Plot:
A murder investigation has landed Alfred in an interrogation room, where to the surprise of a probing detective, he confesses to seven murders claiming the crown of "serial killer." The detective must determine if Alfred is bluffing, telling the truth, or simply insane. Spade is a study of self-absorbed alienation, exposing the psyche of a man obsessed with death and the absurdity of life.

"Spade" Main Titles

"Spade" End Titles

I created a podcast called "First Light Podcast" in late 2010. It was an opportunity for me to improvise weekly in a controlled setting and, one hopes, provide some interesting music for listeners.  I've since ceased to produce tracks for the podcast but I am uploading the entire 80 plus episodes here. Enjoy!

FL58

I created a podcast called "First Light Podcast" in late 2010. It was an opportunity for me to improvise weekly and perhaps generate some ideas for other projects.  I've since ceased to produce tracks for the podcast but I am uploading the entire 80 plus episodes here. Enjoy!

erikfriedlander

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