Brian Friedland big band

“Inspirationally crafted, an excellent and interesting mix of art works. [Friedland] shows his dedication towards creating and performing new music."
            – Kim Richmond, Grammy nominated composer

Live at The Substation, 4228 Washington St., Roslindale MA
Weds, July 15, 2026 @ 7pm
$25 in advance, $27 at the door
Tickets: events.humanitix.com/bbb-substation

After an 8-year hiatus, the Brian Friedland Big Band returns for a special evening of original music and imaginative large-ensemble jazz.

Performed by a 20-piece orchestra of some of Boston’s finest musicians, Friedland’s compositions draw inspiration from diverse sources including poetry, travel, personal experiences, classical minimalism, and contemporary music styles, creating works rich in imagery, narrative, and emotional depth.

The concert premieres a new composition exploring chance-based improvisation, inviting spontaneous musical interactions and unexpected sonic landscapes – and a fresh big band arrangement of John Williams’s iconic Star Wars theme, reimagined through the lens of modern jazz. Combining intricate writing, adventurous improvisation, and powerful ensemble playing, this rare performance marks the long-awaited return of a big band dedicated to bringing new music to life.

Woodwinds: Melanie Brooks, Allan Chase, Laura Heinrichs, Kathy Olson, Sam Spear, Mark Zaleski
Trumpets: Eli Block, Alex Lee-Clark, Pete Kenagy, Dan Rosenthal
Trombones: Clayton DeWalt, Randy Pingrey, Grant Randall, Josiah Reibstein
Rhythm: Brian Friedland (piano), Phil Sargent (guitar), Andrew Schiller (bass), Mike Connors (drums)
Plus guest vocalist Laura Grill Jaye

Brian Friedland's big band works explore a wide range of emotions and ideas, brought to life and enhanced by an accomplished, dedicated 20-piece band. Tinting modern jazz with influences ranging from classical minimalism to techno, he attempts to musically reflect on personal experiences.

Drawing on diverse sources such as poetry by Robert Frost, Burning Man, and Pacific Coast Highway, and informed by his lifelong study of jazz, Friedland writes music that is full of imagery, narrative, and visceral emotion.

Many of Friedland’s works for big band were composed while working with Jazz Composer’s Orchestra at New England Conservatory, where Friedland earned his Masters degree in jazz composition and met many members of his band.