Lyrad's Random 10

Erik Friedlander is probably my favorite cello player alive today. It's not for his prodigious skill; he is skilled but there are those superior. No, it's for his ability to move the cello from strictly a chamber instrument into one that can be played under multiple genres in a multitude of settings. He smoothly transitions between styles, using is classical training to accent his jazz arrangements and, especially, to color his improvisational tactics. While it is certainly not a new thing to use traditionally classical instruments in improvisational music, it is rare to see the cello used in such a way, especially in the realm of computer music. Friedlander is a master of such techniques, and his albums get better and better, sounding more full and expansive with each new offering he gives. I recommend both his 2003 albums Maldoror, improvisations on the poetry of Isidore Ducasse, and Quake, which is stylistically more broad, and where "Gol Gham," originally written by Iranian pop star Googoosh, was released.

1. Erik Friedlander--Gol Gham
2. Clarence "Tom" Ashley--My Sweet Farm Girl
3. Benny Goodman--Superman
4. Ennio Morricone--Sospensione Folle (from the soundtrack to Senza Movente)
5. The Dixon Brothers--Under the Old Cherry Tree
6. Dmitri Shostakovich--Chamber Symphony in c for Orchestra, Op.35; 1. Concerto No.1 for Trumpet, Piano & Orchestra; 1.Allegro Moderato (BT Scottish Ensemble)
7. Earl Johnson--Laughin' Rufus
8. Sorta--Starry-Eyed
9. Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf--Quintet No. 1 in A for Strings; 1. Allegro (Kubin Qt)
10. Magic Slim--Think