David Friesen, Brilliant Heart (ITM Archives)
In this collection of chamber music improvised on original themes, bassist Friesen commemorates an adult son who died in 2009. His “Scotty†is an unaccompanied bass solo incisively intoned and infused with a deep sense of loss. In much of the rest of the album, the pleasure of discovery dominates as Friesen interacts with pianist Greg Goebel and drummer Charlie Doggett and, on some tracks, guitarist Larry Koonse. The piano trio piece “Purple Painting,†at once blissful and energetic, gets its title from the work by Scotty Friesen that serves as the CD cover. “Sailing†is a bracing counterpoint encounter among Friesen, Goebel and Koonse, “Painting The Blues†a heart felt meditation on the younger Friesen’s artistry.