Don Friedman Trio
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Don Friedman was born on May 4, 1935 in San Francisco. Under the guidance of his parents who loved classical music, Friedman started playing the piano when he was five years old. The Friedman family moved to the San Fernando Valley when Don was 15. The first time he heard jazz was when he was 17 or 18. It was at the Hollywood Palladium where he heard big bands featuring Les Brown, Stan Kenton, and Billy May. Friedman started listening to
performances by Lee Konitz, Conte Candoli, and Frank Rosolino of the Kenton band. This
was West Coast jazz at its peak. Friedman moved to New York in the late 50's, but it can be arguably said that he is heavily influenced by West Coast jazz because he grew up on it.
Don Friedman's first albums included A Day in the City (1961) and Circle Waltz (1962) on Riverside. These earlier works had a similar feel to Bill Evans' playing and Friedman became associated with Evans because of it. There is definitely an element of Evans in Friedman's playing. However, Friedman's origins are in West Coast jazz.
On Waltz For Debby, Friedman performs many of the songs associated with Evans, such as "Waltz
for Debby" and "You Must Believe in Spring." However, one can hear a different style that Friedman is capable of from performances of his own blues and a Chick Corea song contained in this album. This versatility creates the complete & true Friedman style.
On My Favortie Things, Friedman is again with George Mraz and Lewis Nash, the same personnel teamed for Waltz for Debby. Friedman spreads his wings of imagination freely. His lyrical but aggressive play intoxicates the listeners. On every tune, the trio delivers the beautiful melody line with a creative interplay.
On October 14, 2003, Don Friedman met for the first time with bass player John Patitucci and drummer Omar Hakim to record Timeless. It was only one day after recording My Favorite Things. The idea to have the three play together came from producer Yasohachi “88” Itoh. It was modeled after the historic combination of multigenerational players that resulted in The Great Jazz Trio. The magic of letting three great musicians loose to playfully collaborate and make fresh interpretation of well-known standards is captured.
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8/10/2009 - Don Friedman annouces California tour dates
3/31/2008 - New Don Friedman dates annouced
10/31/2005 - Doug Ramsey reveiws Don Friedman VIP Trio's Timeless for Rifftides
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(Click on the thumbnails for larger images) |
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Interview with Don Friedman about his career and new recordings. |
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Timeless
Description:
On October 14, 2003, Don Friedman met for the first time with bass player John Patitucci and drummer Omar Hakim to record Timeless. It was only one d... more>
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Waltz For Debby
Description:
Don Friedman has been known for a long time as a
musician's musician, praised for his lyrical style and his
technical virtuosity. Here on Walt... more>
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My Favorite Things
Description:
Originally from the musical Sound of Music,
"My Favorite Things" is one of the most popular tunes of all time. Here is a definitive piano trio versi... more>
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