Erik Friedlander is an American cellist and composer based in New York City. A veteran of New York City's experimental downtown scene, Friedlander has worked in many contexts, but is perhaps best known for his frequent collaborations with saxophonist

John Zorn John Zorn (born September 2, 1953) is an American composer, conductor, saxophonist, arranger and producer who "deliberately resists category". Zorn's avant-garde and experimental approaches to composition and improvisation are inclusive of j ...

. Friedlander grew up in a home filled with art and music: his father is photographer Lee Friedlander, noted for the cover photographs he took for

Atlantic Records Atlantic Recording Corporation (simply known as Atlantic Records) is an American record label founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. Over its first 20 years of operation, Atlantic earned a reputation as one of the most im ...

. His father's fondness for R&B and

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a m ...

helped shape Friedlander's taste in music. He graduated from

Columbia University Columbia University (also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhatt ...

in 1982. Friedlander started playing guitar at age six and added cello two years later. Apart from his work with Zorn, Friedlander has worked with

Laurie Anderson Laurel Philips Anderson (born June 5, 1947), known as Laurie Anderson, is an American avant-garde artist, composer, musician, and film director whose work spans performance art, pop music, and multimedia projects. Initially trained in violin and ...

Courtney Love Courtney Michelle Love (née Harrison; born July 9, 1964) is an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, and actress. A figure in the alternative and grunge scenes of the 1990s, her career has spanned four decades. She rose to prominence as ...

and

Alanis Morissette Alanis Nadine Morissette ( ; born June 1, 1974) is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her emotive mezzo-soprano voice and confessional songwriting, Morissette began her career in Canada in the early 1990s with two ...

, and is a member of the jazz/fusion quartet Topaz. He created the original music for the historical documentary '' Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites''.

Discography

* '' Chimera'' (with Chimera) ( Avant, 1995) * '' The Watchman'' (with Chimera) (

Tzadik Tzadik ( he, צַדִּיק , "righteous ne, also ''zadik'', ''ṣaddîq'' or ''sadiq''; pl. ''tzadikim'' ''ṣadiqim'') is a title in Judaism given to people considered righteous, such as biblical figures and later spiritual masters. Th ...

, 1996) * ''

Topaz Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine with the chemical formula Al Si O( F, OH). It is used as a gemstone in jewelry and other adornments. Common topaz in its natural state is colorless, though trace element impurities can mak ...

'' (with Topaz) (SIAM, 1999) * ''

Skin Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation. Other animal coverings, such as the arthropod exoskeleton, have different ...

'' (with Topaz) (SIAM, 2000) also released on DVD * '' Grains of Paradise'' (Tzadik, 2002)"Cellist Erik Friedlander's best recording as a leader is also one of the most distinctive jazz-with-strings albums ever made." – Ed Hazell, ''

The Boston Phoenix ''The Phoenix'' (stylized as ''The Phœnix'') was the name of several alternative weekly periodicals published in the United States of America by Phoenix Media/Communications Group of Boston, Massachusetts, including the ''Portland Phoenix'' a ...

'' * '' Quake'' (with Topaz) ( Cryptogramophone, 2003) * '' Maldoror'' (

Brassland Brassland is an independent record label founded in 2001 by Alec Hanley Bemis, Aaron Dessner, and Bryce Dessner. History In Brassland's early years, Bemis worked as a freelance journalist for ''LA Weekly'' and ''The New York Times''. The Dessners ...

, 2003) * ''

Eiger The Eiger () is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, just north of the main watershed and border with Valais. It is the easternmost peak of a ridge crest that exten ...

'' (SkipStone, 2006) * '' Prowl'' (with Topaz) (Cryptogramophone, 2006) * ''Schio Duomilaquatro'' (Stella Nera, 2006) * ''Giorni Rubati'' (Bip-Hop, 2006) * ''

Block Ice & Propane ''Block Ice & Propane'' is a solo album by cellist Erik Friedlander performing compositions inspired by memories of childhood camping trips across the United States. Reception The Allmusic review by Jo-Ann Greene awarded the album 4 stars statin ...

'' (SkipStone, 2007) * '' Volac: Book of Angels Volume 8'' (Tzadik, 2007) composed by John Zorn * ''

Broken Arm Trio ''Broken Arm Trio'' is an album by cellist Erik Friedlander, bassist Trevor Dunn, and drummer Mike Sarin performing compositions inspired by Oscar Pettiford's cello work and the music of Herbie Nichols. Reception PopMatters correspondent Michael ...

'' (SkipStone, 2008) * ''Vanishing Point'' (A Road Journal DVD) * ''Alchemy'' (SkipStone, 2010) * ''

50 Miniatures for Improvising Quintet ''50 Miniatures for Improvising Quintet'' is an album by cellist Erik Friedlander, violinist Jennifer Choi, pianist Sylvie Courvoisier, bassist Trevor Dunn, and percussionist Mike Sarin released on the Skipstone label. Reception The Free Jazz Co ...

'' (SkipStone, 2010) * ''Chamber Quintet'' (with

Marcin Oles Marcin Oles (born 1973 in Sosnowiec, Poland) is a jazz and free improvisation bass player, composer and record producer. He is the twin brother of Bartlomiej Oles. Since his first recording in 2000 he continuously (with his brother Bartlomie ...

and

Bartlomiej Oles Bartlomiej Brat Oles (born 1973 in Sosnowiec, Poland) is a jazz and free improvisation drummer, composer and record producer. He is the twin brother of Marcin Oles and Art-director of the Polish independent Jazz Label Fenommedia. Career ...

) * ''

Bonebridge ''Bonebridge'' is an album by cellist Erik Friedlander which was released in 2011 on the Skipstone label. Reception Allmusic rated the album with 4 stars out of 5.

'' (SkipStone, 2011) * ''American Power'' (SkipStone, 2012) * ''

Claws and Wings ''Claws and Wings'' is an album by cellist Erik Friedlander which was released in 2013 on the Skipstone label. The album was composed by Friedlander in tribute to his late wife and while recovering from an injury which left him unable to play cello ...

'' (SkipStone, 2013) * ''Nothing on Earth'' (SkipStone, 2014) * '' Nighthawks'' (SkipStone, 2014) * '' Illuminations'' (SkipStone, 2015) * '' Oscalypso'' (SkipStone, 2015) * '' Rings'' (SkipStone, 2016) * ''Artemisia'' (with Throw A Glass) (SkipStone, 2018) With

* '' Redbird'' (Tzadik, 1995) * '' Filmworks IV: S&M + More'' (Tzadik, 1997) * '' Filmworks VI: 1996'' (Tzadik, 1997) * '' Filmworks VIII: 1997'' (Tzadik, 1998) * ''

Music for Children ''Music for Children'' is the first release in John Zorn's Music Romance Series and features three Naked City compositions (written at the time of Torture Garden) performed by Zorn with the band Prelapse; a 20-minute composition for wind machines ...

'' (Tzadik, 1998) * ''

The String Quartets ''The String Quartets'' is an album of contemporary classical music by American composer and saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist John Zorn performed by Mark Feldman, Erik Friedlander, Joyce Hammann and Lois Martin. The piece ''Kol Nidre'' is a tune ...

'' (Tzadik, 1999) * '' The Big Gundown: 15th Anniversary Special Edition'' (Tzadik, 2000) * '' Madness, Love and Mysticism'' (Tzadik, 2001) * '' Filmworks X: In the Mirror of Maya Deren'' (Tzadik, 2001) * '' Cobra: John Zorn's Game Pieces Volume 2'' (Tzadik, 2002) * '' Filmworks XII: Three Documentaries'' (Tzadik, 2002) * '' Filmworks XIII: Invitation to a Suicide'' (Tzadik, 2002) * '' Filmworks XIX: The Rain Horse'' (Tzadik, 2008) * '' Filmworks XX: Sholem Aleichem'' (Tzadik, 2008) * ''

What Thou Wilt ''What Thou Wilt'' is an album of contemporary classical music composed by John Zorn and released in October 2010 on the Tzadik label. The opening concerto was composed in 1999, while the other two pieces date from 2005 and 2007.''What Thou Wilt'' ...

'' (Tzadik, 2010) * ''

The Concealed ''The Concealed'' (subtitled ''Esoteric Secrets and Hidden Traditions of the East'') is an album composed by John Zorn. The album was released on Zorn's own label, Tzadik Records, in November 2012.

'' (Tzadik, 2012) * '' Fragmentations, Prayers and Interjections'' (Tzadik, 2014) As a member of Bar Kokhba * 1998 '' The Circle Maker'' (Tzadik) * 2005 ''

50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11 ''50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11'' is a triple live album by the Bar Kokhba Sextet documenting their performance at Tonic in September 2003 as part of John Zorn's month-long 50th Birthday Celebration.

'' (Tzadik) * 2008 '' Lucifer: Book of Angels Volume 10'' (Tzadik) As a member of Masada String Trio * 1998 '' The Circle Maker'' (Tzadik) * 2002 '' Filmworks XI: Secret Lives'' (Tzadik) * 2003 '' 50th Birthday Celebration Volume 1'' (Tzadik) * 2005 '' Azazel: Book of Angels Volume 2'' (Tzadik) * 2010 '' Haborym: Book of Angels Volume 16'' (Tzadik)

As sideman

With

* '' Life on a String'' (

Nonesuch __NOTOC__ Nonesuch may refer to: Plants * '' Lychnis chalcedonica'', a wildflower * ''Medicago lupulina'', a wildflower Places and structures *Nonesuch, Kentucky *Nonesuch Island, Bermuda *Nonesuch Mine, Michigan *Nonesuch Palace, mis-spelling of ...

, 2001) With

Cyro Baptista Cyro Baptista (born December 23, 1950) is a Brazilian percussionist in jazz and world music. He creates many of the percussion instruments he plays. Career Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Baptista arrived in the U.S. in 1980 with a scholarship to C ...

* ''

Beat the Donkey ''Beat the Donkey'' is an album by percussionist Cyro Baptista, which marked the debut of his rotating percussion and dance ensemble that would become known as Beat the Donkey, which was released on the Tzadik label in 2002.Banquet of the Spirits'' (Tzadik, 2008) * ''

Infinito Infinito may refer to: * Infinito (Fresno album), ''Infinito'' (Fresno album), a 2012 album * Infinito (Cyro Baptista album), ''Infinito'' (Cyro Baptista album), a 2009 album * Infinito (Litfiba album), ''Infinito'' (Litfiba album), a 1999 album * ...

'' (Tzadik, 2009) With

Uri Caine Uri Caine (born June 8, 1956, Philadelphia, United States) is an American classical and jazz pianist and composer. Biography Early years The son of Burton Caine, a professor at Temple Law School, and poet Shulamith Wechter Caine, Caine began ...

* ''

Wagner e Venezia ''Wagner e Venezia'' is a live album by pianist Uri Caine's Ensemble featuring compositions by Richard Wagner recorded in Venice and released on the Winter & Winter label in 1997.Winter & Winter Winter & Winter is a record label in Munich, Germany that specializes in jazz, classical and improvised music. It was founded by Stefan Winter following the demise of his JMT Records label. Since 1997 Winter & Winter has released records by ...

, 1997) With

Nels Cline Nels Courtney Cline (born January 4, 1956) is an American guitarist and composer. He has been the guitarist for the band Wilco since 2004. In the 1980s he played jazz, often in collaboration with his twin brother Alex, a percussionist. He has w ...

* '' Lovers'' (Blue Note, 2016) With Sylvie Courvoisier * '' Abaton'' (ECM, 2003) With Dave Douglas * '' Parallel Worlds'' (

Soul Note Black Saint and Soul Note are two affiliated Italian independent record labels. Since their conception in the 1970s, they have released albums from a variety of influential jazz musicians, particularly in the genre of free jazz. History Black S ...

, 1993) * ''

Five 5 is a number, numeral, and glyph. 5, five or number 5 may also refer to: * AD 5, the fifth year of the AD era * 5 BC, the fifth year before the AD era Literature * ''5'' (visual novel), a 2008 visual novel by Ram * ''5'' (comics), an awa ...

'' (Soul Note, 1996) * ''

Convergence Convergence may refer to: Arts and media Literature *''Convergence'' (book series), edited by Ruth Nanda Anshen *Convergence (comics), "Convergence" (comics), two separate story lines published by DC Comics: **A four-part crossover storyline that ...

'' (Soul Note, 1999) With Mark Feldman * '' Book of Tells'' (Enja, 2001) With

Benny Golson Benny Golson (born January 25, 1929) is an American bebop/ hard bop jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He came to prominence with the big bands of Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie, more as a writer than a performer, before laun ...

*'' One Day, Forever'' (Arkadia Jazz, 1999 001 With Myra Melford *'' The Same River, Twice'' (Gramavision, 1996) *'' Above Blue'' (Arabesque, 1999) With Mike Patton * '' Pranzo Oltranzista'' (Tzadik, 1997) With Jamie Saft * ''

A Bag of Shells A, or a, is the first letter and the first vowel of the Latin alphabet, used in the modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name in English is ''a'' (pronounced ), plural ''aes'' ...

'' (Tzadik, 2010) With Wadada Leo Smith * ''

Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, located entirely within Shiga Prefecture (west-central Honshu), northeast of the former capital city of Kyoto. Lake Biwa is an ancient lake, over 4 million years old. It is estimated to be the 13th ol ...

'' (Tzadik, 2004) With Dar Williams * ''

Mortal City ''Mortal City'' is Dar Williams' second album, released in January 1996 by Razor & Tie. The songs "As Cool as I Am" and "The Christians and the Pagans" were released as singles in 1996; the former was also accompanied by a music video. Unlike Wi ...

'' (

Razor & Tie Razor & Tie was an American entertainment company that consisted of a record label and a music publishing company. It was established in 1990 by Craig Balsam and Cliff Chenfeld. Based in New York City (with additional offices in Los Angeles a ...

, 1996)

Filmography

* '' Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites'' (2003) * ''Spade'' (2014) * ''

Thoroughbreds The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word ''thoroughbred'' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are con ...

'' (2017) * '' Oh Lucy!'' (2017)

References

External links

Erik Friedlander official siteErik Friedlander on Brassland RecordsCryptogramophone homepage
{{DEFAULTSORT:Friedlander, Erik 1960 births Living people Musicians from New York City Chamber jazz cellists Tzadik Records artists Avant-garde jazz cellists Plastic Ono Band members Columbia College (New York) alumni American jazz cellists Jazz musicians from New York (state)