David Friedman - Of the Wind's Eye (Enja, 1981)

This post is by Scott

David Friedman (vib, mar, perc); Jane Ira Bloom (ss); Harvie Swartz (b); Daniel Humair (d)

Recorded on July 02-03, 1981

Although he's never achieved the notoriety of peers like Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton (likely because he's been based in Europe for most of his career), David Friedman is a supremely talented musician.  Originally a drummer, Friedman shifted his focus to vibraphone and marimba before attending Juilliard in the 1960s. Subsequently, he became a percussionist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.  During the 1970s, he also taught at the Manhattan School of Music.

The first time I recall taking note of Friedman's playing was on Horace Silver's In Pursuit of the 27th Man (Blue Note, 1973).  A few other notable sideman appearances during the 1970s: Wayne Shorter's Odyssey of Iska (Blue Note, 1971); Horacee Arnold's Tribe (Columbia, 1973); Joe Chambers' The Almoravid (Muse, 1974); and Daniel Humair's Triple Hip Trip (Owl, 1979). 

Friedman's strong sideman work on these albums (and others) prompted me to seek out his work as a leader.  Beginning in the late-70s, Friedman frequently collaborated with fellow vibraphonist Dave Samuels in the band Double Image.  I included their terrific self-titled first LP, Double Image (Enja/Inner City, 1977), in my survey of favorites from the 1970s.

Excluding his work with Double Image, Of the Wind's Eye is only Friedman's third release as a solo artist, but it's one of his best.  The music is exquisite, as is the recorded sound.  I would describe the music as thoughtful, even "conversational" -- but it never loses it rhythmic impetus.  Four of the album's six cuts are Friedman's compositions, and each of them are excellent.  The others are by soprano sax specialist Jane Ira Bloom and Thelonious Monk ("Four in One").

All four of the band members were frequent collaborators.  Harvie Swartz, who also played on Double Image, returns here.  Jane Ira Bloom lends her distinctive sound, and Daniel Humair's drumming is compelling and musical, as always.

Of the Wind's Eye is a below-the-radar gem.