Elam Friedlander: Sound – Elements

CELLAR MUSIC (RELEASED DECEMBER 6, 2024)

The word “element” in the title of bassist’s Elam Friedlander’s debut recording most likely refers to the natural/spiritual elements each tune captures — fire, water, earth and air. However, it could also refer to the human elements that come together on Sound – Elements — Friedlander, pianist Luis Perdomo, saxophonist Abraham Burton and drummer Eric McPherson. Members of the ensemble introduce each element with an opening solo. Burton opens “Fire” with an appropriately blistering solo. McPherson’s opening solo on “Water” builds from shimmering cymbals to a downpour of rhythms. Friedlander’s majestic opening to “Earth” shifts from playful pizzicato to somber bowed bass. Perdomo and the trio open “Air” with a funky and free spirit vibe. Following the solo introductions, the ensemble launches into the melodies penned by Friedlander to further capture the mood of the elements —the searing energy of “Fire,” the fluidity of “Water,” the grandeur of “Earth” and the liveliness of “Air.” The solos within those compositions provide opportunities for each musician to showcase their strengths — the bravura and depth of Burton’s Coltrane-inspired tenor, Perdomo’s skill at moving from intensity to impressionistic, the ability of McPherson to add just the right color and shading to ensemble and solo passages and the melodicism and power of Friedlander’s bass. The prayer-like “Epilogue” is a perfect way to close out the “elements.” Although there are five distinct compositions, Friedlander intended all the parts of Sound – Elements to be interconnected into one organic piece. As a result, the end of some pieces such as “Water” and “Earth” seem to end abruptly only to meld into the next composition. Despite that concern, the elements — natural/spiritual and human — come together to make Sound – Elements a powerful introduction to Friedlander as well as a reminder of the capabilities of Burton, Perdomo and McPherson.

BOTTOM LINE: For his debut recording, Israeli bassist Elam Friedlander set out to capture the soundscape of fire, water, earth and air. With the support of saxophonist Abraham Burton, pianist Luis Perdomo and drummer Eric McPherson he does just that with Sound – Elements, a spiritually moving and musically intriguing listening experience.