New Bill Frisell Biography and Where to Start

[drmilktruck]

A new biography of Bill Frisell, entitled Beautiful Dreamer: The Guitarist Who Changed the Sound of American Music came out today.



I realized I know the name and his reputation, but don't know really much of his music. Where to start?

 

[Ricochet]

I never owned any of his works but every time I stumble over a vid on YT I'm impressed.

 

[Electrosynthesis]

I am no expert on the matter, but I do like his album "Guitar in the space age", where he revisits some classic north american sounds.

 

[Chet Harrison]

I’ve been listening to him for a few years now and I’m still not sure where to start.

 

[radd]

He plays a Tele, that was how I found him. I’ve watched a bunch of videos of him playing but I can’t name one piece..

 

[drmilktruck]

I am no expert on the matter, but I do like his album "Guitar in the space age", where he revisits some classic north american sounds.

That's the one album I have of his.

 

[Electrosynthesis]

Guess we might have a similar taste besides guitars...

The "small town" album is jazzier, I really like it. I feel the "music is" album is more free, and his tone is amazing. I guess that sums up his albums I know. If anyone has more recomendations I'd love to hear about them.

 

[ronjazz]

Bill has been at the vanguard of modern jazz guitar for decades now. His work with drummer Paul Motion in a bass-less trio really is a great place to start, as well as the two CDs he did with Ginger Baker and Charlie Haden. He has a wonderful DVD out focusing on "looper" compositions and improvs. He has used Gretsch guitars occasionally in the past, and is certainly a master of tone; some of his Telecasters are outfitted with Filtertron pups. I've known him for years; he's much like Jim Hall: gentle, self-effacing and brilliant.

 

[AkaCreamyEase]

My introduction was through the Power Tools LP, which is still one of my favorites. Next were Before We were Born & Is That You? Also of note was his work with John Zorn in Naked City, as well as fantastic Morricone tribute record . I was lucky enough to see him quite a few times while still living in Brooklyn. He's one of a kind, and has influenced my playing more by learning to listen to others in a band context than anything else.

 

[Electrosynthesis]

My introduction was through the Power Tools LP, which is still one of my favorites. Next were Before We were Born & Is That You? Also of note was his work with John Zorn in Naked City, as well as fantastic Morricone tribute record . I was lucky enough to see him quite a few times while still living in Brooklyn. He's one of a kind, and has influenced my playing more by learning to listen to others in a band context than anything else.

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

 

[drmilktruck]

He's featured in the 50th issue Fretboard Journal.

 

[Electrosynthesis]

That is pretty! He plays only what needs to be played.

Funny, to me it looks as if he is always hesitating on that video, even though he doesn't miss a beat. Maybe he doesn't need to figure out where he is going in advance, he just decides where he will go next then and there.

 

[Ricochet]

Ignore the horrible setting, allow yourself to be mesmerised. Are short cut pants the latest fad among guitar gods?

 

[ruger9]

I'd rather watch a documentary than read a book, since it's music.