BIOGRAPHY

Don Friedman was born in San Francisco, Ca. Don Studied at Los Angeles City College and studied jazz on his own by playing along with records of Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Miles Davis. He moved to New York in 1958 and started and joined Buddy DeFranco’s Band. During this period in New York City Don played in many Settings including his own trio and with some of the major jazz artists such as Pepper Adams, Charles Lloyd, Chet Baker, Ornette Coleman, Dexter Gordon and Scott LaFaro. Don made his first recordings as a leader for producer Orrin Keepnews at Riverside records from 1961 through 1964. The first three were with his trio and the fourth was a quartet with guitarist Attila Zoller.

Those records were highly acclaimed at the time three of which won 5 stars (the top rating at Down Beat Magazine) while the fourth won 4 stars. By 1965 Friedman had won a New Star Award in Don Beat’s annual Critic’s Poll.

Late in the 1960's , Don began his association with Clark Terry working in his big band.

Since the 1960's , Don has continued working in New York City and he has frequently toured the United States, as well as Europe and Japan. Don continues to draw critical acclaim for his music and respect from his peers. He has been praised for his lyrical style and his technical virtuosity.

Don has recently recorded 4 Trio and 1 Quartet CD. He now has a new trio which has been performing in and around New York and has tour in Japan. He is also performing in Festivals and Concerts in Europe and thru out the United States.

Jazz Times Magazine’s Harvey Siders review April 2004 of Don’s "Waltz for Debby" CD which was released in the U.S. in August 2003 stated "Technically, he boasts the chops of Ahmad Jamal, the elegance of Tommy Flanagan, the poetry of Bill Evans and the imagination of Keith Jarrett".

Don Friedman's website http://www.DonFriedman.net