Search - Erik Friedlander :: Skin

Erik Friedlander, who continues his exploration of jazz textures and contemporary, classical improvised and notated music on Skin, is pushing the creative envelope on cello. There have been jazz precedents on his instrument, notably Oscar Pettiford and Ron Carter--both better known as bassists. Friedlander is both colorist and soloist, working here with a core ensemble of alto saxophonist Andy Laster (who takes the lion's share of the CD's solos), bass guitarist Stomu Takeishi, and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. Friedlander's work can be quite percussive, as on the title track, and he engages the Atlas Cello Quartet to haunting effect on his "Skin 1." His original compositions are leavened throughout Skin with selections from disparate sources, including one each from Charles Mingus, Julius Hemphill, Santana, and Henry Mancini. The results are often edgy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding. --Willard Jenkins