Faculty Artist Series

Brian Friedland, piano Man On Land, guest artists

Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm Virtual Recital

Program

After Paris -- Austin McMahon Joy Spring -- Clifford Brown Stolen -- Greg Loughman Serene -- Eric Dolphy What's The Name of That Song -- Sam Pottle

Brian Friedland, Piano

Songs of Hope 1-2 -- Brian Friedland Oh My, What a Splendid Day -- Brian Friedland

Man On Land Trio Brian Friedland, piano Greg Loughman, bass Austin McMahon, drums About the Artists Brian Friedland, piano 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. The large variety of ensembles he performs with and his hundreds of original compositions reflect his love of many kinds of music and commitment to continually create in new ways. His music includes 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. He shows his dedication towards creating and performing new music."

Friedland has been commissioned by numerous individuals and organizations. Most notably, the American Composer’s Orchestra commissioned him to write a work as part of their efforts to bring jazz composers to the orchestral world. Their 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, who sought out Friedland for skill in composing for non-standard instrumentations as well as his aesthetics and craftsmanship. 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 domestic products, childhood poetry, and a lease from an overzealous landlord for lyrics and musical inspiration. 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. Friedland and his product-based music have been featured by NPR, Boston culture blog BDC wire, and shared widely among fans of Pirate’s Booty snacks, earning him and his numerous collaborators invitations to perform. Household Items has been performed and discussed at elementary schools, house concerts, family concert series, and even for a Harvard University music class. The makers of Pirate’s Booty were so impressed with Friedland’s epic operatic composition and colorful video based on their product description that they sent him nearly a lifetime supply, motivating Friedland to embark on an ambitious project. 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. In addition, he further collaborated with a cast of visual artists and photographers to create a series of vivid multimedia videos, which have been widely shared on YouTube and were funded with the support of nearly 200 backers on Kickstarter. 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, the rock band Radiohead, and avant-garde composer Gyorgy Ligeti, as well as from the distinctive musical personalities of the ensemble’s five other members. The album features guitarist Phil Sargent, vocalist Aubrey Johnson, saxophonist Sean Berry, bassist Greg Loughman, and drummer Mike Connors demonstrating the precision and expansive palette of sounds that makes them all some of the busiest musicians in Boston and New York City. Since its inception, the Rhombus band has performed over 30 new works in Boston area jazz clubs, coffeehouses, and neighborhood bars, and performed throughout the New England area.

Friedland’s skills have also made him a top call for many Boston bands and touring acts. He is currently a member of seven active bands, led by some of Boston’s most talented newcomers and veteran Berklee professors. Friedland toured extensively in 2007 with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and played in several states with the internationally renowned vocalists of Il Divo. He has also garnered acclaim for his playing on recordings as a sideman. In a review of saxophonist Alexei Zoubov's 2007 release "Rejuvenation," respected jazz critic and frequent AllAboutJazz.com contributor Scott Yanow says, "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.

Man On Land Man On Land is a collectively led trio between pianist Brian Friedland, bassist Greg Loughman, and drummer Austin McMahon. The band name is formed from the end each band member’s names, driving home the point that this group is a true collaboration. Each member brings their full creativity to the music, and all contribute compositions and arrangements to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Man On Land first performed in 2009 at the Taylor House in Jamaica Plain, playing original music by all three members. The sympathetic connection between them was obvious, and inspired them to keep performing and composing specifically for the group. Through a decade of performing each other’s music, that connection has deepened and is clearly manifested in this debut recording. Their original music places a great emphasis on melody, narrative, atmosphere, and interaction, blending together their distinct compositional voices. The versatility and imagination of their live performances have created a loyal following in the Boston area. Website: www.manonlandband.com

Bassist, composer, and bandleader Greg Loughman has made a name for himself as an “emphatically lyrical” -Scott Albin, JazzTimes, versatile, and sensitive accompanist who plays "with sublime authority" -Raul d’Gama Rose, AllAboutJazz.com and

Born in Zanesville, OH, Loughman currently lives in Boston, MA. He has performed with artists including Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Hal Galper, Mark Murphy, and many others. Since 2014, he has toured extensively with gypsy jazz group the Rhythm Future Quartet and has made a name for himself in the gypsy jazz world, also performing with artists such as Stephane Wrembel, Gonzalo Bergara, and John Jorgenson. In addition, Greg co- leads the groups Roving Soul and Man On Land, and plays in the John Funkhouser trio, Klezwoods, and the Sonic Explorers. He is also an in demand studio musician in the Boston area and frequently teaches workshops and clinics around the world in addition to teaching private lessons at his home and online.

Austin McMahon performs regularly with Jerry Bergonzi’s Quartet and has recently performed and/or recorded with Sean Jones, George Garzone, Joe Lovano, Lionel Loueke, Ben Monder, Lage Lund, Kate McGarry, Noah Preminger, Jason Palmer and Grace Kelly. He has appeared as an opening act for Grammy award-winners Dianne Reeves and Esperanza Spalding.

On tour, Austin has performed at: Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Earshot Jazz Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Discover Jazz Festival, Cape Cod Jazz Festival, Bar Harbor Jazz Festival, Lake George Jazz Festival, Young Jazz in Town Festival (Foligno, Italy), Casa de Teatro Jazz Festival (Dominican Republic), Ballydehob International Jazz Festival (Cork, Ireland),as well as performing at jazz clubs, concert halls and theaters throughout the US, Italy, Germany, Finland, France, China and India.

Austin McMahon, drums, is the winner of the 9th annual Independent Music Awards for Jazz Song Category and Nominee for Best Jazz Album in the 11th annual IMA's. His debut CD Many Muses was selected as a CDBaby Editor’s pick and described as "subtle, reverential to tradition, and thoroughly new." He was recently featured on NPR JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater, WLRN Miami (NPR station) and live on WGBH radio, Boston, MA.

Austin currently teaches in the Jazz Department at New England Conservatory Preparatory and Continuing Education Division, Boston, MA and was a Teaching Assistant for Jazz Improvisation at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA for six consecutive years. He has given masterclasses at Harvard University, University of Miami, University of Mainz (Germany) as well as numerous colleges and high schools throughout the US.

Austin is also the co-founder, producer and recording artist for the burgeoning record label Fractamodi (fractamodi.com) and has recorded on over forty commercially released albums in the past several years.

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