Cellist Eric Friedlander continues the swinging legacy of Oscar Pettiford with a swinging quartet session here with Doub Wamble/g, Tgrevor Dunn/b and Michael Sarin/dr. The material can bop with the best, or simply create thoughtful atmospheres reminiscent of Pat Metheny’s duo disc with Charlie Haden a number of years ago. Playful pizzicato snaps on tunes like “Sneaky Pete” and the joyful “Clockwork” while bowed strings create intriguing landscapes on “26 Gasoline Stations.” The interplay between guitar and picked cello is a stringing delight as on the percussive “Carom” and the bluesy “Poolhall Payback” and a panoramic mood is evoked on the sepia toned title track. This is music that is so sleek and subtle you’ll need to take in a few listens to really treasure what you’ve been given.
Skipstone Records