As a leader in percussion and jazz education, David Friedman heads the Jazz department at the Hochschule der Kuenste in Berlin, Germany. As Professor of Jazz studies since 1989. He is also the author of Mirror From Another, Warners Bros. Publications, a collection of pedagogical etudes for the vibraphone and Vibraphone Technique, Dampening and Pedaling, Berklee Press Publications, distributed by Hal Leonard. Mallet players and percussionists worldwide consider this work to be the most important book on the art of phrasing for the vibraphone. Friedman is a devoted teacher and an inspiration to his students, while still an active performer and composer. One of Friedman's recent projects is a synthesis of american jazz and ethnic improvisation, featuring bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi, Astor Piazzola's heir to modern tango, and the gifted american bassist Anthony Cox. This1996 CD release, "Rios", on Intuition Records, has been called "a true work of art" by the Chicago Tribune.
Perhaps the most unique of Friedman's accomplishments to date is a solo mallet recording, utilizing multiple vibe and marimba overdubs, creating richly textured soundscapes. This is the first recording of its kind ever done by a mallet performer and is aptly entitled, "Air Sculpture", on Traumton Records. Jazz Friends Review writes: "This music is made of the same fabric dreams are made of. This daring recording is riveting." Germany's Die Woche calls "Air Sculpture" " a humble masterpiece!". riedman's newest project "Other Worlds" is a trio with an instrumentation and sound all its own, featuring the exciting french accordianist Jean Louis Matinier and the brilliant american bass virtuoso Anthony Cox. Their new CD "Other Worlds", was recorded in November 1996 for Intuition Records and released in December 1997. It's a spellbinding musical journey, featuring original compositions and improvisational dialogues of incredible depth and beauty. Jazzthetik remarks: "You feel your ears being drawn to the speakers as if by magic! Other Worlds is a true musical adventure".