Erik Friedlander’s TOPAZ. Cellist Erik Friedlander leads this funky, rhythmic trio, featuring Andy Laster on alto saxophone and Stomu Takeishi on electric bass. Erik, who has been performing with John Zorn, Dave Douglas, Joe Lovano, Myra Melford as well as his own band Chimera, has created this new band to explore groove and rhythmic complexity in a funky aggressive style.