Brian Friedland 'The Schoolyard Sessions' album release and fundraiser

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Composer/pianist and Eliot Schoolyard Concert Series founder Brian Friedland will be performing with 15 musicians in a variety of different configurations to celebrate the release of his new album “the Schoolyard Sessions”. The album features musicians who performed in the Eliot Schoolyard series with Friedland, in groups ranging in size from duo to sextet.

The Eliot Schoolyard concert series celebrates community and creativity through its offering of free public concerts most Sundays between June and September. While the Eliot School accepts donations from audiences and has community sponsors, this year the series ended up $2,800 in the red. This fundraiser while help ensure the concert series continues to be sustainable.

The music runs the stylistic gamut of Jazz from swing and blues to chamber-esque works to abstract soundscapes. In addition to 8 tunes by Friedland, there are compositions by collaborators Rob Flax and Phil Sargent, and one song each by the Beatles and Charles Mingus. Every musician is incredibly accomplished on their instrument and brings a highly original vision to the album, highlighting the incredible diversity and high-caliber artistry that can be heard at the Eliot School concerts and Boston writ large.

Musicians:

Catherine Bent, cello

Lihi Haruvi, sopranino sax

Laura Jaye, vocals

Keala Kaumeheiwa, acoustic bass

Greg Loughman, acoustic bass

Austin McMahon, drums

Kathy Olson, baritone sax

Giuseppe Paradiso, drums

Randy Pingrey, trombone

Josh Rosen, keyboards

Åsa Runefelt, vocals

Phil Sargent, guitar

This concert is part of a yearlong series of jazz fundraising concerts produced by New England Jazz Connections thanks to funding from the Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. New England Jazz Connections (NEJC) is a performing arts organization that presents concerts in conjunction with non-profits, charities, or advocacy groups to raise money and awareness for worthy causes. Its mission is to foster community through shared experience, raise the profile of jazz and jazz artists in New England, and help existing organizations carry out their vital work.

https://www.newenglandjazzconnections.com/