Erik Friedlander, the acclaimed American cellist and veteran of New York's vibrant music scene, presents his latest avant-garde free jazz album, "Dirty Boxing." Released on June 28, 2024, under SkipStone Records and ArconomX Music LLC, this captivating collection of eight tracks offers a bold and innovative exploration of sound and improvisation.
"Dirty Boxing" clocks in at a concise 34 minutes, with each track named after wrestling moves, hinting at the raw, physical energy that permeates the album. From the sprawling opener "Sprawl" to the intense climax of "Kimura," Friedlander and his collaborators delve into a world of unpredictable rhythms and textures. The album's standout tracks, such as "Foot Stomp" and "Ground & Pound (Mod 1)," showcase Friedlander's mastery of the cello, pushing the boundaries of the instrument in a free jazz context.
The album's avant-garde nature is evident in its complex structures and dissonant harmonies, offering a challenging yet rewarding listening experience. Friedlander's background in various musical genres, from classical to jazz and beyond, shines through in the album's eclectic mix of styles. "Dirty Boxing" is a testament to Erik Friedlander's artistic versatility and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply expressive.
Vinylscout