This music reveals an unrelenting, ever-unfolding flow that runs through the entire program as melodies get passed from player to player, section to section, and support roles change frequently yet fluidly. A 12-part masterwork by David Friesen.

David Friesen uses his Hemage Bass and faith to shine a bright and encouraging light. A reformation of tones and melodies!

Few solo musicians on any instrument have made music as powerful and deeply moving as David Friesen.

. . . absolutely breath-taking musicality and performance prowess. A solo concert by David Friesen is an incredible experience. He captivated the audience.

Seldom has a jazz musician (and never a bassist) managed to spellbind and hold an audience so happily as David did this evening.

Diaphanous arrangements, a light and airy sonic touch, a sublime and heavenly translucence. The music orbits—with a subtle, measured and seemingly inevitable galactic grandeur—the sound of Friesen’s Hemage bass works perfectly with the orchestra.

A rare masterwork.

...a smooth flowing, sultry jazz atmosphere grand and beautiful

...delivering the kind of state of the art performance that defies almost everything

The David Friesen compositions are all gorgeous, rich and accessible, each tune more beautiful than the first and absolutely wonderful soloing and ensemble play at its highest level.

Everything the trio plays is colored with a pronounced individuality. The harmonic depth, intense rhythm and subtle interaction they employ mesmerizes an audience.

The sum of the whole (David Friesen’s Circle 3 Trio)is far greater than the figuration of its parts. Friesen has forever tread outside the ordained paths and will never cease to do so. Be ye dumbstruck with awe at the pure artistry of it all.

It’s been said of David Friesen that He does for the art of bass playing what Pythagoras did for the triangles.

David Friesen on the Hemage bass, Dixon Nacey on guitar and Reuben Bradley on drums. This particular combination was bound to work well and the proof positive was in the outstanding performances. When artists pay each other respect on the bandstand it is a recipe for excellence. There were no Jazz standards performed and I suspect that many of the compositions were challenging for those new to them. If they were, it did not show. Friesen explained that while he loved interpreting standards, he had come to the point where exploring his own compositions was his preference. A musician as gifted as this has plenty to say musically and Friesen found endless ways of expressing his unique world view.

Both virtuosos, the subtle interplay of David Friesen and Joe Manis, some surprising, amazing details and the overall warm-hearted mood carried throughout the concert.