Set 1
Erik Friedlander Solo: MALDOROR
In a darkened recording studio in old East Berlin, in a seance-like atmostphere, a time-traveling collaboration took place between the lawless black humor of the 19th-century poety Isidore Ducasses and the daring and sensitivity of the 21st-century cellist Erik Friedlander. Producer Michael Montes, an audience of one, had carefully selected 10 excerpts from Ducasse's Maldoror which he believed would be particularly good for inciting musical inspiration.
In the course of one hour the excerpts were placed in front of Erik one at a time. He responded to each excerpt with what you hear on this recording. The music is beautiful, mystical, intense--a journey into music's darkest heart.
Set 2
BROKEN a new trio
Erik Friedlandercello
Greg Cohen bass
Mik Sarin drums
In 1950 Oscar Petitford broke his arm playing baseball. He could still move his fingers even though his arm was in a caste and so he was able to experiment with a cello a friend had lent him. He tuned the cello like a bass only an octave higher and later recorded one of the great, under-recognized LP's, "My Little Cello."
Erik Friedlander tosses away his bow for this new trio, playing only pizzicato in a world steeped in the influences of Oscar Pettiford & the small group feel of Herbie Nichols.