Erik Friedlander - Rings (LP)

Erik Friedlander's "Rings" is a captivating journey through the realms of free jazz and avant-garde music, released on June 7, 2016, via SkipStone Records. This album is the debut from Friedlander's new trio, Black Phebe, featuring the cellist himself, alongside pianist and accordionist Shoko Nagai and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. With a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes, "Rings" is a testament to the power of repetition and the seamless blending of classical, jazz, and world music elements.

The album's twelve tracks, including standout pieces like "The Seducer," "Black Phebe," and "Canoe," showcase Friedlander's unique compositional style and virtuosic cello playing. "Rings" is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive exploration of sound and texture, with each piece building upon the last to create a rich and immersive musical experience. From the atmospheric calm of "Canoe" to the frenetic energy of "Fracture," the album's diverse range of moods and styles keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of jazz, classical, or experimental music, "Rings" is sure to captivate and inspire.