Man On Land is a Boston-based Jazz trio consisting of pianist Brian Friedland, bassist Greg Loughman, and drummer Austin McMahon. Since forming in 2009, the group has performed nearly a hundred originals and imaginative arrangements, releasing three critically praised albums. Their sound is defined by deep collaboration, dynamic group interplay, and a spirit of spontaneity—reflected even in their name, which combines the last syllables of each member’s name.
Over the past 15 years, Man On Land has cultivated a loyal following through engaging and uplifting performances at more than a dozen Boston venues and concert series, including The Mad Monkfish, The Beehive, Jazz Sundays at the Square Root, and the Eliot Schoolyard Series. Their recent album release concert with Mandorla Music was a sold-out event.
Man On Land's latest album, Echo the Hills (April 2025), features acclaimed saxophonist Lihi Haruvi, whose stunning tone and captivating playing have made her an in-demand artist across the globe. The album highlights the group’s versatility and imagination, drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of influences—including Chick Corea, Ornette Coleman, Nirvana, and Cole Porter—while showcasing the quartet’s vibrant connection. All four musicians are faculty at Berklee College of Music, with Loughman and Haruvi also teaching at Berklee’s Global Jazz Institute.
Testimonial
“For the last 15 years Man On Land has been demonstrating that the musical whole can be even greater than the sum of the parts. All three write beautifully and their rapport is uncanny. Adding a new melodic voice to this rich ecosystem, Lihi Haruvi's dextrous sopranino sounds like it belongs, in the best way. The delight the four share in playing together is its own lively presence on the bandstand. I can't wait to hear more.”
––Mark Redmond, Presenter, Mandorla Music
Praise for Man On Land's eponymous album (2018)
“Displays not only individual virtuosity but a kind of group composure that comes from deference to form, narrative, and a warm ensemble sound.” -Jon Garelick, Arts Fuse
"Engaging originals plus inventive takes on numbers by Rodgers & Hart and the Beatles." -Kevin Lowenthal, Boston Globe
Over the past 15 years, Man On Land has cultivated a loyal following through engaging and uplifting performances at more than a dozen Boston venues and concert series, including The Mad Monkfish, The Beehive, Jazz Sundays at the Square Root, and the Eliot Schoolyard Series. Their recent album release concert with Mandorla Music was a sold-out event.
Man On Land's latest album, Echo the Hills (April 2025), features acclaimed saxophonist Lihi Haruvi, whose stunning tone and captivating playing have made her an in-demand artist across the globe. The album highlights the group’s versatility and imagination, drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of influences—including Chick Corea, Ornette Coleman, Nirvana, and Cole Porter—while showcasing the quartet’s vibrant connection. All four musicians are faculty at Berklee College of Music, with Loughman and Haruvi also teaching at Berklee’s Global Jazz Institute.
Testimonial
“For the last 15 years Man On Land has been demonstrating that the musical whole can be even greater than the sum of the parts. All three write beautifully and their rapport is uncanny. Adding a new melodic voice to this rich ecosystem, Lihi Haruvi's dextrous sopranino sounds like it belongs, in the best way. The delight the four share in playing together is its own lively presence on the bandstand. I can't wait to hear more.”
––Mark Redmond, Presenter, Mandorla Music
Praise for Man On Land's eponymous album (2018)
“Displays not only individual virtuosity but a kind of group composure that comes from deference to form, narrative, and a warm ensemble sound.” -Jon Garelick, Arts Fuse
"Engaging originals plus inventive takes on numbers by Rodgers & Hart and the Beatles." -Kevin Lowenthal, Boston Globe
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photo by Michael Blumfeld
Photo by Isabel Roeder
Photo by Joe Musacchia