Block Ice & Propane
Erik Friedlander · 2007
45 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A mesmerizing blend of jazz improvisation and ambient textures that evokes a sense of tranquil introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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King Rig — This opening track sets the tone with its intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Friedlander's innovative approach to composition.
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Dream Song — A standout piece, it features lush harmonies and a haunting cello line that captures the essence of the album's introspective themes.
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Block Ice & Propane — The title track encapsulates the album's overall mood, blending rich textures with evocative storytelling through instrumental interplay.
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A Thousand Unpieced Suns — This track showcases Friedlander's ability to create vivid imagery through sound, reflecting on themes of fragmentation and unity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's seamless flow and innovative use of cello create a unique listening experience in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features long, flowing tracks that often extend beyond five minutes, allowing for extended improvisation.
- Each piece transitions smoothly into the next, creating a continuous soundscape rather than distinct songs.
- The instrumentation primarily revolves around the cello, accompanied by subtle electronic textures and ambient sounds.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- contemplative melodies for reflection
- intricate textures for deep listening
- for evening unwind
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2007, Erik Friedlander was an established cellist known for his work across various genres, with 'Block Ice & Propane' being his sixth studio album. This release followed his acclaimed 2005 album 'Stillpoint', showcasing his continued evolution as a composer and performer in the post-bop jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mark Feldman· Matana Roberts· Nils Frahm
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 King Rig 2:52
- 2 Dream Song 6:22
- 3 Airstream Envy 3:25
- 4 Road Weary 1:55
- 5 Night White 4:07
- 6 Block Ice & Propane 3:23
- 7 A Thousand Unpieced Suns 2:18
- 8 Rushmore 4:40
- 9 Rusting in Honeysuckle 3:10
- 10 Cold Chicken 0:59
- 11 Yakima 4:17
- 12 Pressure Cooking 3:04
- 13 Valley of Fire 4:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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