David Friesen Trio - Midnight Mood

"I have been privileged as a jazz artist to have had the opportunity to play with in concert or recordings, some of the great jazz masters such as Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, Michael Brecker, Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones, Woody Shaw, Clark Terry, Freddy Hubbard, Herb Ellis, George Benson, John Scofield, Chick Corea, Mal Waldron and many others. It has been my school and catalyst for creative motivations. From the earliest years when I first started playing jazz in 1958 at that time as a guitarist. I learned as best I could by listening, asking questions, studying and practicing for many hours each day to give myself the confidence and endurance physically and mentally to play the music.

A few of the most important qualities that can be found in the jazz artist that play this style music (jazz) are; dedication, purpose, the ability to listen without being self centered, the ability to react creatively without being self centered and the technical proficiency harmonically and physically to put everything into focus within reason.

This trio represents all that I have worked for and towards over the many years. It is a trio that has never had a rehearsal and there are no arrangements. The reason for this is so the music will stay as fresh and unpredictable as possible. It demands constant listening, forgiveness and acceptance. I think one of the most important qualities of this trio is the freedom we give each other...and that is...the ability to take chances in the music without the fear of making a mistake. I have never found myself in a more creative setting.

The performances on this new CD Midnight Mood comes mid-way through our 2002 European concert tour and I think it represents some of our best playing as a trio to date. It's always exciting playing before a live audience.

All but two selections were recorded at jazz Club Fasching in Stockholm, Sweden. The atmosphere was great, a fantastic Steinway 7' grand piano (in tune), a very sensitive recording engineer and last but definitely not least...a wonderful and very appreciative audience. I hope that our extended audience will also enjoy the recorded performance and find it worthwhile for repeated listening."

David Friesen