January/February 2000

David Frieson
Two for the Show
ITM

By Owen Cordle

In bassist Friesen's album you will find such a broad base of support that you often do not miss other instruments. Friesen and his guests-saxophonists Michael Brecker and Bud Shank, guitarists John Scofield and Uwe Kropinski, pianist Denny Zeitlin, and trumpeter Clark Terry-perform two duets each. The Friesen-Brecker combination is remarkable for how the bassist matches the saxophonist's heated, speech-like flurries. The sensitivity of the bassist and Zeitlin is another peak. Suffice it to say that Friesen expertly tailors his support and solos to fit his guests. His tone and the spirituality of his playing are exemplary.