The cello may be one of the most under-rated instruments in jazz, but Erik Friedlander hasn't let that stop him from becoming the most visible and in-demand cellists on the scene.
Along with high profile work with artists including John Zorn, Michael Brecker, Fred Hersch and Dave Douglas, Friedlander has led a number of his own groups over the years, the most enduring being Topaz, featuring saxophonist Andy Laster, bassist Stomu Takeishi and his brother, percussionist Satoshi Takeishi.
The group's latest release Prowl (Cryptogramophone, 2006) is its most realized effort to date, and so AAJ Contributing Editor Paul Olson figured it was time to talk to Friedlander about Topaz, Maldoror (Brassland, 2003), his stunning album of free improvisations, and more.
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