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. (The Big Takeover)

Music is given meaning by musicians arranging and performing it. But outside the frame of any particular piece is the magic of the chemistry between musicians, which percolates and creates those ‘daily miracles.’ Friedlander composed a collection of songs that gives the musicians a structure for improvisation and sets the stage for fireworks. The band plays with a loose fearlessness that encourages spontaneous eccentricities and moments of synchronicity that were unforeseen, even by its players.

Erik Friedlander’s new album A Queens’ Firefly finds the miraculous within the routine, taking inspiration from the small moments of life to create an overflow of joy and optimism.

"On this session with pianist Uri Caine, bassist Mark Helias, and drummer Ches Smith, Friedlander rides stout melodies across rolling fields of rhythm.” - Bandcamp Daily

"...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

“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.” - The Big Takeover

“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