Erik Friedlander is an American cellist and composer based in New York City.[1]

Erik Friedlander
Background information
Born (1960-07-01) 1 July 1960 (age 64)
OriginNew York City, New York, U.S.
GenresAvant-garde jazz, classical, chamber jazz
Occupation(s)Musician, composer
InstrumentCello
Years active1980s–present
LabelsBrassland
Websiteerikfriedlander.com
Eric Friedlander, Moers Festival, 2012

A veteran of New York City's experimental downtown scene, Friedlander has worked in many contexts, but is perhaps best known for his frequent collaborations with saxophonist John Zorn.

Friedlander grew up in a home filled with art and music: his father is photographer Lee Friedlander, noted for the cover photographs he took for Atlantic Records. He is of Finnish descent through his paternal grandmother.[2] His father's fondness for R&B and jazz helped shape Friedlander's taste in music. He graduated from Columbia University in 1982.[3]

Friedlander started playing guitar at age six and added cello two years later. Apart from his work with Zorn, Friedlander has worked with Laurie Anderson, Courtney Love and Alanis Morissette, and is a member of the jazz/fusion quartet Topaz.[4]

He created the original music for the historical documentary Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites.[5]

Discography

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With John Zorn

As a member of Bar Kokhba

As a member of Masada String Trio

As sideman

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With Laurie Anderson

With Cyro Baptista

With Uri Caine

With Nels Cline

With Sylvie Courvoisier

With Dave Douglas

With Mark Feldman

With Benny Golson

With Myra Melford

With Mike Patton

With Jamie Saft

With Wadada Leo Smith

With Dar Williams

Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ Sisario, Ben (17 July 2007). "An Avant-Gardist's View of America, as Seen From the Back Seat". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
  2. ^ Hadba-Groom, Vitoria. "Lee Friedlander". TheArtStory. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  3. ^ Parhizkar, Maryam (April 2011). "Cellist Erik Friedlander '82 Plays an Uncommon Tune". Columbia College Today. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  4. ^ Layne, Joslyn. "Biography: Erik Friedlander". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
  5. ^ "Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites (TV Movie 2003) – Full Cast & Crew – IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  6. ^ "Cellist Erik Friedlander's best recording as a leader is also one of the most distinctive jazz-with-strings albums ever made." – Ed Hazell, The Boston Phoenix
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