Musicians: JOE FIEDLER (Trombone) JEFF LEDERER (Saxophones) PETE MCCANN (Guitar) ROB JOST (Bass) MICHAEL SARIN (Drums) “The versatile Joe Fiedler has often been associated with the avant-garde . . . [but he] proves that he’s also a master of swing and blues-based music . . . he uses superb technique, which includes playing chords (multiphonics), and a wit worthy of trombonist Ray Anderson to invigorate straight ahead jazz, paying indirect tributes to tradition while simultaneously turning the music inside out” - Jazziz Magazine The imaginative and adventurous trio of trombonist, composer, bandleader Joe Fiedler, bassist Rob Jost and drummer Michael Sarin just accomplished the near-impossible; with the addition of saxophonist Jeff Lederer and guitarist Pete McCann they have broadened their melodic and harmonic range, and expanded rhythmically, becoming even more awe-inspiring. The Quintet is featured in all its splendor on Fiedler’s new recording, Like, Strange. After thirteen years of leading his trio (documented on I’m In, Plays The Music of Albert Mangelsdorff, The Crab and Sacred Chrome Orb), and that format being his primary creative outlet, Fiedler felt the urge to expand. He explains, “after more than a decade of playing trio I still love it, but I found myself wanting to branch out and bring different colors and textures to my music. Thus I thought that it was time to add some people who were both unique soloists and great interpreters of music in general.” Like, Strange, in many ways, is a continuation of the music from Fiedler’s previous critically acclaimed recording, I’m In (which also features bassist Jost and drummer Sarin). “In general, and similar to my previous recording, the compositions are more traditional forms and variations of traditional chord progressions, yet still pliable and able to handle both inside and outside playing. For my ears, adding Pete and Jeff turned out to be the perfect way to expand the trio and give it an added, richer depth of color and sound,” said Fiedler.