Man on Land - Man On Land (2019)

Long time musical cohorts Greg Loughman, Austin McMahon and Brian Friedland are happy to announce the release of the debut album of their group Man On Land (Man On Land, Fractamodi). The band name is formed from the end each band member’s names, driving home the point that this group is a true collaboration. Each member brings their full creativity to the music, and all contribute compositions and arrangements to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Man On Land first performed in 2009 at the Taylor House in Jamaica Plain, playing original music by all three members. The sympathetic connection between them was obvious, and inspired them to keep performing and composing specifically for the group. Through a decade of performing each other’s music, that connection has deepened and is clearly manifested in this debut recording. Their original music places a great emphasis on melody, narrative, atmosphere, and interaction, blending together their distinct compositional voices. The versatility and imagination of their live performances have created a loyal following in the Boston area.

On this, their debut album, the trio takes the listener through many distinct musical landscapes and shifting moods. The propulsive opening track “Oomph” sets a high bar, and is followed by a bluesy treatment of “Hedwig’s Theme” from the Harry Potter movies. Friedland’s rugged yet suave “Lumbersexual” leads to Loughman’s sultry arrangement of the jazz standard “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was.” McMahon’s martial composition “Peddler’s Theme,” Friedland’s joyful ode to his newborn daughter, “Nora’s Swing” and McMahon’s L’Etranger” - a musical exploration of the book by Albert Camus of the same name - show off other sides of Man On Land, as does their take on the lovely Lennon/McCartney tune “For No One.” The album closes with Friedland’s driving “Late Night Snack,” and the cinematic closing number, “Listen.”

Brian Friedland’s music has been described as "not only professional quality material, but inspirationally crafted, an excellent and interesting mix of art works” by Grammy nominated composer Kim Richmond, and has performed with acclaimed Boston artists Ran Blake, Allan Chase and Jerry Bergonzi. A prolific composer, his compositions have been featured on NPR, at the American Pianists Associations Cole Porter competition, and in numerous international music festivals. In addition, he has been commissioned to write pieces for the American Composers Orchestra, Boston-based Composer’s Sax Quartet, and the Longy School of Music’s American Music Ensemble.

Drummer Austin McMahon has performed with Sean Jones, George Garzone, Joe Lovano, Lionel Loueke, and Ben Monder. He is also an award winning composer; the winner of the 9th annual Independent Music Awards for Jazz Song Category and Nominee for Best Jazz Album in the 11th annual IMA’s.

Bassist Greg Loughman has made a name for himself as a versatile and sensitive accompanist as well as an “emphatically lyrical” (Scott Albin, JazzTimes) soloist. He has performed with artists including Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Hal Galper, and Mark Murphy. He has written and arranged music for albums under his own name as well as for the Rhythm Future Quartet, Klezwoods, and others.