Cryptogramophone
2006
Prowl
About This Album
A deceptively smooth recording from the Erik Friedlander Quartet (sometimes going by the name of Topaz), Prowl offers the paradox of complex improvisational music so adroitly executed that its particular virtues might be overlooked by the casual listener. Originally set up by Friedlander as a trio composed of himself on cello, Andy Laster on alto saxophone and clarinet, and Stomu Takeishi on electric bass, Topaz were a deliberate experiment in music-making without a chordal instrument, e.g., keyboard or guitar. However, the absence of rhythmic thrust restricted the energy of the group to the extent that Stomu's brother Satoshi was eventually added as a percussionist. In the past, Friedlander has taken exception to the term chamber jazz -- at least in relation to his music. Admittedly, it's a lazy critical term that can be applied to any jazz music that comes across as more cerebral than visceral, as the music on Prowl surely does. However, Prowl's music is far from effete (if that's the basis of Friedlander's objection), nor is it written out and merely re-created (which may also be a sticking point for Friedlander). The nine pieces featured on this CD often involve some very unusual time signatures, but since Friedlander is not adverse to a deep groove, the music has both mental and physical dimensions.
Track List (try tracks 1,3 and 7)

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