Thomas Fryland

In the artist’s words: Describe one of your earliest musical memories in detail. Hearing Tom Harrell with the Phil Woods Quintet in the late 1980s was a life-changing inspiration. Years later, I had the privilege of performing as a sideman with Phil Woods himself—an experience that profoundly shaped my musical journey. What are your top 3 all-time favorite albums on Apple Music, and why? Why did you choose these three albums in particular? Art Farmer, Listen to Art Farmer and the Orchestra Jorge Roeder, Ofri Nehemya, Philip Dizack, Shai Maestro, Human Warne Marsh, Star Highs (feat. Hank Jones, George Mraz & Mel Lewis) Warne Marsh’s Star Highs is the most complete album I can think of. Listen to Art Farmer and the Orchestra remains the most inspiring trumpet album of all time. Right now, Shai Maestro’s Human is the album that inspires me the most. Find a song of yours on Apple Music that you love and tell us what makes it special. Tell us why you chose this song. “Candle Flame” “Candle Flame” is a tribute to Joni Mitchell and was released on my latest album, Another Season. It is a piece that means a great deal to me and remains one of my personal favorites from the recording. What’s one of the most memorable moments in your career so far? Performing in a duo with Jim McNeely was a wonderful experience after having worked with him for seven years in quartet and big band settings with the Danish Radio Big Band. Is there anything left on your bucket list as an artist or band? I have never been driven by career goals. If anything remains on my bucket list, it is to keep growing as a musician, creating meaningful music, and sharing it with audiences, students, and inspiring colleagues.