Anyone acquainted with David Friesen’s exceptional music quickly thinks of his creative universe. Ocean-deep in his sensitivity to the human spirit, Friesen is compassionate and his music founded on integrity and the pursuit of excellence. A technically adept, immensely intuitive bassist and pianist, David Friesen is a spiritually minded performer whose music touches upon contemporary jazz, folk, world traditions, and acoustic post-bop. A regular presence in the Pacific Northwest since his emergence in the late ’60s, Friesen initially garnered acclaim for a series of textural and earthy albums recorded with guitarist John Stowell in the ’70s, and has paired for equally compelling dates with such luminaries as Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Mal Waldron, Denny Zeitlin, and others. He remains an intensely exploratory artist, flowing from trio albums like 2016’s Triple Exposure, to duo albums like 2017’s Bactrian, and intimate solo performances as on 2018’s My Faith, My Life.
Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1942, Friesen grew up in Seattle, where he started out on accordion and ukulele around age ten. By his teens he had picked up the guitar and first became interested in jazz after seeing Slim Gaillard perform in a local club. However, it wasn’t until after high school, while in the Army, that he began playing the bass. Stationed first in Paris, and then in Copenhagen, Friesen improved quickly and soon found gigs with such luminaries as Johnny Griffin, Art Taylor, Dick Berk, George Arvanitas, and others. Upon returning to the States in 1964, he continued his jazz pursuits, jamming with the likes of Randy Brecker, Larry Coryell, and Pacific Northwest legend pianist/vibraphonist/vocalist Elmer Gill. Settling in Portland in the early ’70s, Friesen opened his own coffeehouse and began playing regularly. Friesen’s music, which is imbued with certain ingredients of jazz, is also characterized by folk-flavored things and classical and Jewish veins with substantial spontaneity, lyrical strength, warmth and creative discoveries in the musical wilderness. To hear a sample of his music please visit his page HERE.
