Brian Friedland's BIG BAND - At Concord Conservatory

Local music teacher Brian Friedland to bring 20 piece big band for concert of new jazz works at Concord Conservatory

            He’s studied with pianist Danilo Perez, has his playing compared to jazz legend Keith Jarrett and is crazy enough to create an epic, multi-faceted composition inspired by the puffed rice and corn snack known as Pirate’s Booty.

            And on Thursday, December 6th at 8 p.m., Brian Friedland brings his big band to the West Concord Union Church. Friedland’s concert being presented by the Concord Conservatory of Music, where he’s a faculty member and the concert is being held in the school’s performance space at 1317 Main St in the West Concord Union Church.  The concert is Free with donations accepted at the door. 

            An emotive and bold composer, Friedland's many big band works explore a wide range of atmospheres and creative processes.   His music is vividly brought to life and enhanced by a dedicated ensemble comprised of many of Boston's most creative and respected improvisers, including fellow Concord Conservatory faculty Tucker Antell and Ehud Ettun.  While his writing and the band’s playing is deeply rooted in jazz traditions, the music is enlivened by unusual stylistic juxtapositions ranging from classical minimalism to techno.  Regardless of the style he is touching on, Friedland's writing displays relentless creativity and a penchant for memorable melodies.  Grammy nominated composer, USC faculty member, and musical collaborator Kim Richmond describes Friedland's music as "not only professional quality material, but inspirationally crafted, an excellent and interesting mix of art works. He shows his dedication towards creating and performing new music."

            Many of Friedland's works for this concert were composed while working with New England Conservatory's Jazz Composer's Orchestra, where he recently earned his Master's degree in jazz composition and met many members of his band.  The band also features many of his frequent collaborators in Boston, and draws on repertoire he wrote for his six piece band Rhombus, which released a self-titled CD in 2010 and frequently performs at top Boston jazz venues such as the Lily Pad and Ryles. 

            In addition to Rhombus, Friedland leads several other Boston-based creative music projects such as Household Items, the Keydrum Project, and the Man On Land trio and has performed his original music at the Lima International Jazz Festival, the Banff International Creative Music Workshop, and the Cole Porter jazz piano competition.  No matter where he plays, Friedland is consistently applauded for his highly engaging, imaginative performances.

 The CCM Faculty Concert Series is made possible in part by the generous funding from Newbury Court in Concord.  For more information about the CCM Free Concert Series please call CCM at 978-369-0010, or go to www.ConcordConservatory.org.

Brian Friedland is available for interviews or comment either by phone or email.  Please contact the composer directly at 213 304 4145 or brian.friedland@gmail.com. Please visit Brian’s website at www.brianfriedland.com for more information, including mp3s and videos.