As early as 1976, Nat Hentoff wrote: “Once in a great while, a musician emerges with such authority and such seemingly effortless originality that his place in the front ranks of his instrument is unquestioned.” Hentoff was not speaking of promise or potential, but actual performance, and forty-two years later, with “My Faith, My Life”, bassist David Friesen has added mmeasurably to his stature. With its two CD suites complementing each other so fully, it’s an epochal achievement - a testament to the offers of faith, matched with a purposeful life.
Disc One is a 13-piece solo performance on his Hemage Bass, which calls attention to the intimacy and immediacy of his compositions. The solo piano of Disc Two highlights Friesen’s supple touch on an instrument he’s not generally known for. Closing the set, the composition “My Faith, My Life” sums it all up: a credo, affirmation, reverence - lower register continuity laced with sublime melody: a hymn to the Source of all song, with a fitting Amen at the close. ”One of the most eminent exponents of the instrument, he maintains an astonishing level of virtuosity.” - Los Angeles Times.
