Topaz is a 1999 album by cellist Erik Friedlander which was released on the Siam label and features the quartet that became known as Topaz.[1]

Topaz
Studio album by Erik Friedlander
Released	March 2, 1999
Recorded	December 29 & 30, 1997 Clinton Recording Studios, New York, NY
Genre	Avant-garde, Jazz, Contemporary classical music
Length	56:05
Label	Siam SMD-50003
Producer	Erik Friedlander
Erik Friedlander chronology
The Watchman (1996) Topaz (1999) Skin (2000)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[2]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[3]

The Allmusic review by Alex Henderson awarded the album 4 stars stating "Topaz, like a lot of avant-garde jazz, isn't easy to absorb on the first listen. But the more times you listen, the more you realize how much this left-of-center CD has going for it".[2]

Track listing

All compositions by Erik Friedlander except as indicated

1. "Verdine" - 5:37
2. "November" - 4:20
3. "Shining" - 6:10
4. "Straw Dogs" - 7:29
5. "Topaz" - 2:49
6. "Three Desperate Men" - 3:31
7. "Tout de Suite" (Miles Davis) - 8:29
8. "Hat and Beard" (Eric Dolphy) - 4:45
9. "Something Sweet, Something Tender / Cienega" (Dolphy / Friedlander) - 6:59
10. "Agon" - 5:56

Personnel

• Erik Friedlander – cello
• Andy Laster - alto saxophone
• Stomu Takeishi - bass
• Satoshi Takeishi - percussion

References