Biography
Composer/pianist Brian Friedland's relentless creative spirit is quickly evident from his frequent participation in Boston’s creative music scene, repertoire from diverse strands of jazz traditions, and prolific output as a composer. Performing and writing for a wide variety of ensembles, his projects reflect his love of many kinds of music and his commitment finding new ways to create. His hundreds of compositions include a large collection of big band charts, an orchestral composition, dozens of chamber works, and music for jazz ensembles of many aesthetics and sizes. 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.”
Friedland has been commissioned by numerous individuals and organizations. Most notably, the American Composer’s Orchestra commissioned him to “Dreamscapes,” in an effort to bring jazz composers and the orchestral world into closer collaboration. The orchestra’s recent performance of “Dreamscapes” displays Friedland’s compositional breadth in a 10-minute work that unites disparate influences such as the blues of Duke Ellington and the adventurous sonic textures of 20th century classical composer Witold Lutoslawski. Other recent commissions have come from the Boston-based Composer’s Sax Quartet and the Longy School of Music’s American Music Ensemble. Friedland also composes for several ensembles of his own, ranging in size from a jazz trio to a 20-piece big band, and has performed at nearly every live music venue in Boston. He has also performed his original music at the Panama JazzFest, Lima Jazz Festival, the American Pianists Association's Cole Porter competition, and in prestigious clubs across the US.
Friedland’s most popular work, “Household Items,” is an ever-expanding collection of songs and videos that utilize texts from every-day items and documents. Between its subject material and finely calibrated performances, Household Items has garnered fans across the United States and received attention from a wide array of sources, including NPR, Boston culture blog BDC wire, and fans of Pirate’s Booty snacks. Household Items has been performed and discussed at elementary schools, house concerts, family concert series, and a Harvard University music class. In 2015, Friedland took his favorite household items songs and rearranged them for a 23-piece orchestra for “Household Items: New and Improved Formula,” a follow-up to his debut 2008 “Household Items” album. Hundreds donated to the production of hilarious music videos, which have been widely distributed online. His two Household Items albums have been praised by pianist Frank Carlberg as "clever, witty, beautifully crafted and brilliantly executed" and by jazz educator Shelly Berg as a collection of "fantastic, funny and poignant voyages."
Friedland’s 2010 album, “Rhombus,” balances intricate compositions and bold collective improvisations, fusing the spontaneity of jazz with classical complexity and rock dynamics. Inspiration for Friedland’s compositions on this album comes from music as diverse as Keith Jarrett, the Bulgarian Women’s Choir, Radiohead, and Gyorgy Ligeti. The distinctive musical personalities of the ensemble’s five other members (guitarist Phil Sargent, vocalist Aubrey Johnson, saxophonist Sean Berry, bassist Greg Loughman, and drummer Mike Connors) demonstrate the precision and expansive palette of sounds that makes them some of the busiest musicians in Boston and New York City. Since its inception, the Rhombus band has performed over 30 new works in venues throughout New England.
Friedland’s skills have also earned him a spot in many Boston bands and touring ensembles. He is currently a member of seven active bands, led by some of Boston’s most talented musicians. Friedland toured extensively in 2007 with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and played in several states with the internationally renowned vocalists of Il Divo. Friedland has also recorded on numerous albums and received critical praise. Regarding saxophonist Alexei Zoubov's 2007 release "Rejuvenation," respected jazz critic and frequent AllAboutJazz.com contributor Scott Yanow wrote, "Friedland contributes lyrical solos that would not be out of place on a Keith Jarrett record."
Friedland holds degrees in jazz composition and performance from the New England Conservatory and the University of Southern California, where he studied under jazz legends Danilo Perez, Jerry Bergonzi, Vince Mendoza, and Allan Pasqua and performed with jazz greats Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter, and Nancy Wilson.
Friedland has been commissioned by numerous individuals and organizations. Most notably, the American Composer’s Orchestra commissioned him to “Dreamscapes,” in an effort to bring jazz composers and the orchestral world into closer collaboration. The orchestra’s recent performance of “Dreamscapes” displays Friedland’s compositional breadth in a 10-minute work that unites disparate influences such as the blues of Duke Ellington and the adventurous sonic textures of 20th century classical composer Witold Lutoslawski. Other recent commissions have come from the Boston-based Composer’s Sax Quartet and the Longy School of Music’s American Music Ensemble. Friedland also composes for several ensembles of his own, ranging in size from a jazz trio to a 20-piece big band, and has performed at nearly every live music venue in Boston. He has also performed his original music at the Panama JazzFest, Lima Jazz Festival, the American Pianists Association's Cole Porter competition, and in prestigious clubs across the US.
Friedland’s most popular work, “Household Items,” is an ever-expanding collection of songs and videos that utilize texts from every-day items and documents. Between its subject material and finely calibrated performances, Household Items has garnered fans across the United States and received attention from a wide array of sources, including NPR, Boston culture blog BDC wire, and fans of Pirate’s Booty snacks. Household Items has been performed and discussed at elementary schools, house concerts, family concert series, and a Harvard University music class. In 2015, Friedland took his favorite household items songs and rearranged them for a 23-piece orchestra for “Household Items: New and Improved Formula,” a follow-up to his debut 2008 “Household Items” album. Hundreds donated to the production of hilarious music videos, which have been widely distributed online. His two Household Items albums have been praised by pianist Frank Carlberg as "clever, witty, beautifully crafted and brilliantly executed" and by jazz educator Shelly Berg as a collection of "fantastic, funny and poignant voyages."
Friedland’s 2010 album, “Rhombus,” balances intricate compositions and bold collective improvisations, fusing the spontaneity of jazz with classical complexity and rock dynamics. Inspiration for Friedland’s compositions on this album comes from music as diverse as Keith Jarrett, the Bulgarian Women’s Choir, Radiohead, and Gyorgy Ligeti. The distinctive musical personalities of the ensemble’s five other members (guitarist Phil Sargent, vocalist Aubrey Johnson, saxophonist Sean Berry, bassist Greg Loughman, and drummer Mike Connors) demonstrate the precision and expansive palette of sounds that makes them some of the busiest musicians in Boston and New York City. Since its inception, the Rhombus band has performed over 30 new works in venues throughout New England.
Friedland’s skills have also earned him a spot in many Boston bands and touring ensembles. He is currently a member of seven active bands, led by some of Boston’s most talented musicians. Friedland toured extensively in 2007 with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and played in several states with the internationally renowned vocalists of Il Divo. Friedland has also recorded on numerous albums and received critical praise. Regarding saxophonist Alexei Zoubov's 2007 release "Rejuvenation," respected jazz critic and frequent AllAboutJazz.com contributor Scott Yanow wrote, "Friedland contributes lyrical solos that would not be out of place on a Keith Jarrett record."
Friedland holds degrees in jazz composition and performance from the New England Conservatory and the University of Southern California, where he studied under jazz legends Danilo Perez, Jerry Bergonzi, Vince Mendoza, and Allan Pasqua and performed with jazz greats Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter, and Nancy Wilson.