Tpts -
John Thomas
Walt Simonsen
Brian Swartz
Gabe Johnson
Josh Agiuar
Bones -
Joey Sellars
Garret Smith
Vikram Devasthali
Ben Drivett
Saxes -
Kevin Garren
Gavin Templeton
John Armstorng
Robby Marshall
Adam Scrhoeder
Rhythm -
Brian Friedland - piano
Perry Smith - guitar
Greg Swiller - bass
Mike Lindsay - drums
Influences
way too many to list. Some composers who have inspired me most over the years are classical greats Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Debussy, Chopin, Steve Reich and Arvo Part, big band giants Bob Brookmeyer, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, and Maria Schneider, jazz pianists Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett, and my amazing teachers Kim Richmond, Vince Mendoza, Alan Pasqua, Ken Schaphorst, and Frank Carlberg.
Sounds Like
An original, dynamic, and creative composer whose music is full of emotive textures, compositional surprises, and rhythmic vitality.
Composer and Pianist Brian Friedland has been writing music and leading bands since junior high school, when his compositions often consisted of three chords and performances were excruciatingly loud, multi-hour “jams.” He could have never imagined then the boldly creative identity and penchant for eclecticism he would eventually develop as a composer. Since leaving the world of three-chord-rock, Friedland has prodigiously composed for a wide variety of compositional situations, ranging from chamber orchestras to thirteen-piece funk bands. He draws inspiration for his compositions from music as diverse as piano great Keith Jarrett, the Bulgarian Women’s Choir, and avant-garde composer Gyorgy Ligeti. Friedland has written extensively for various sized jazz combos and performed his music at the Lima Jazz Festival in Peru, the American Pianists Association Cole Porter competition, and respected Los Angeles jazz venues such as the Jazz Bakery, Cafe Metropol, Catalina’s, and the Vic. While studying jazz composition with greats Vince Mendoza and Kim Richmond at the University of Southern California, Friedland began extensively composing for big band and quickly developed a unique compositional voice in that medium. Kim Richmond declares that Friedland’s music is “not only professional quality material, but inspirationally crafted, and an excellent and interesting mix of art works.” Friedland’s big band compositions are journeys filled with emotive textures, compositional surprises, and rhythmic vitality. Richmond further comments that, “[there are] many great moments fashioned by this amazing creator are already out there. I recommend you seek them out.” His big band features many of Los Angeles’s most accomplished and innovative young musicians and will be performing at the Passadena Jazz Institute on August 8th along with the Robby Marshall Nonet. Saxophonist Robby Marshall will perform new original works for nonet, solo sax, and more
Howdy Boston! I'll be playing this Friday night at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge (lizardloungeclub. com) w/The Wiyos, Curtis Eller, and Josh Lederman. Come on down!
Here is what Scott Yanow says about you in his review of my CD "Rejuvenation Project": <<Friedland contributing lyrical solos that would not be out of place on a Keith Jarrett record >>
How are the new glasses holding up on the road with the Glenn Miller Orchestra? I bet all the grannies are oohing and aahing over your hip new specs! 8-)
So have you decided on where you'll be in the fall? East Coast? West Coast?
How are you Brian!!! Remember me? Haven't seen u from the last Troll 2 party! We're throwing another one, but this time, the cast is gonna be there from the movie. Crazy huh? Let me know if you wanna come cuz we had fun with u last time! :) It's this Saturday at 8pm. If you want to go I'll send you the flyer! XOXO!
i loved yoru song so much that i added it to my profile if you dont mind, if you guys have a cd please let me know its so relaxing and i really truly enjoy this music k thank you later
Hey Brian! I got your call. Sorry I didn't get a chance to get back at you. How are you doing? I had to work and have been trying to catch up my hours to pay off some bills. I feel like a slave! :( Anyway, I hope you're well and let me know when the next show is. I'm sure it'll be fun! :D
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