Elliot Freedman Group

Canadian jazz guitarist Elliot Freedman has just released Bands of Merriment, Vol. 1 WEST COAST QUINTET LIVE, which documents a dynamic gig built on his distinctive compositional voice and elastic guitar approach, and his ensemble’s deep interplay. Freedman performs on on baritone guitar, shaping the music with a resonant low-end presence and a sophisticated harmonic perspective, while vibraphonist Nick Apivor adds a luminous counterpoint that expands the group’s tonal spectrum. Bassist Dan Howard and drummer Paul Mason combine into a texturally-aware rhythm section, shifting between subtlety and momentum. And together, the group expresses a strong identity, as it moves fluidly between themes and improvisation. Pianist Dan Reynolds creatively extends Freedman’s harmonic ideas and delivers deeply engaging solos.

Now on piano with the group is the Edmonton-born virtuoso pianist John Julian (aka John Stetch), whose command of & creativity in & beyond things jazz & classical enhances Freedman’s already complex, but eminently tuneful compositions. Adding scorch and sorcery to the group on its Yardbird Suite date is Edmonton trombonist Audrey Ochoa!