“[The Throw’s] musicianship itself illuminates what the tracks are trying to say. Caine’s brilliant playing maintains the strongest ties to jazz tradition, while Smith swings steadily, keeping the tunes dynamic and on target. Helias becomes Friedlander’s MVP, not only nailing all the songs to the firmament, but also providing some spectacular solos – indeed, his thrumming bass is the first spotlighted voice on the opening title track. The leader himself turns in a bravura performance, demonstrating a deep understanding of his instrument’s versatility, from arco plucking to honeyed melody to foreboding drone. No matter in what direction Friedlander takes the music, it always stays accessible, remaining ear catching and commanding no matter what scratches he puts on the surface. That makes A Queens’ Firefly not only a great record, but the one to beat for anyone trying to introduce a newcomer to Friedlander’s magnificent body of work.” - Michael Toland, The Big Takeover

Latest Release, "A Queens’ Firefly"

"...a musical journey that unfolds with fascination... A Queens’ Firefly is an exciting album in many ways, and Friedlander’s fantastic compositions seemed to have encouraged his cohorts to play them with gusto.” - JazzTrail

“Not surprisingly, the breadth of Friedlander’s cello playing is remarkably versatile whether weaving around the melody in ‘Chandelier’ as part classicist and part improviser or adding his deft flourishes to the hard driving ‘Match Strikes.’” - Making a Scene

“Friedlander’s quartet with pianist Uri Caine, bassist Mark Helias and drummer Ches Smith simmer and glimmer with an often darkly kinetic majesty.” - New York Music Daily

“[A Queens’ Firefly] showcases four excellent musicians who make playful and light music with a distinctive soundscape due to the prominence of the cello and bass in the mix. Fascinating.” - salt peanuts*

“A Queen's Firefly is not a fairy tale, even if the motivations behind it could have made us imagine otherwise. Instead, it is a well-organized and equally well-played record that at times gives the impression of momentary shadows obscuring the light.” - Off Topic Magazine