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Bill Frisell
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later, Bill studied music at the University of Northern Colorado before attending Berklee College of Music in Boston where he studied with John Damian, Herb Pomeroy and Michael Gibbs. In 1978, Frisell moved for a year to Belgium where he concentrated on writing music. In this period, he toured with Michael Gibbs and first recorded with German bassist Eberhard Weber. Bill moved to the New York City area in 1979 and stayed until 1989. He now lives in Seattle.
"When I was 16, I was listening to a lot of surfing music, a lot of English rock. Then I saw Wes Montgomery and somehow that kind of turned me around. Later, Jim Hall made a big impression on me and I took some lessons with him. I suppose I play the kind of harmonic things Jim would play but with a sound that comes from Jimi Hendrix", Frisell told Wire. Bill also lists Paul Motian, Thelonious Monk, Aaron Copland, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and his teacher, Dale Bruning, as musical influences.
Bill recorded his first two albums as a leader on ECM, both produced by Manfred Eicher. Subdued and lyrical in nature, In Line, the first of the ECM recordings, employed both electric and acoustic guitars in a series of solos (including some overdubbing) and duets with bassist Arild Andersen. Second was Rambler, featuring Kenny Wheeler, Bob Stewart, Jerome Harris and Paul Motian. About Rambler, Fanfare said: "Bill Frisell has built a little masterpiece here - not just a showcase for his own instrumental creativity (of which there is much in evidence), but a clever and poetic whole."
Frisell's third album and last for ECM, Lookout For Hope, marked the recording debut of The Bill Frisell Band featuring Hank Roberts, Kermit Driscoll and Joey Baron. Produced by Lee Townsend, the album's diverse material - ranging from country swing to reggae, quasi-heavy metal and backbeat rock with a twist to Monk's "Hackensack" - nevertheless possessed the cohesive and unmistakable personality of a working band on to a sound of its own. High Fidelity called it "the fullest showing of Frisell's ability to date, especially his compositional range." The Chicago Tribune said, "Lookout For Hope offers one of the most hopeful signs that contemporary jazz can evolve with dignity, wit and charm."
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Bill Frisell Trio at Blues Alley
by Robert Bellafiore
Bill Frisell Trio Blues Alley Washington, DC November 21, 2024 With each decade, Bill Frisell's guitarwork gets rawer, more direct--and better. Whereas his classic 1980s albums could feature irregular instrumentation, such as Rambler's (ECM) tuba and flugelhorn, or atmospheric musings as on In Line (ECM), today Frisell tends to follow the KISS principle": keep it simple, stupid. In his trio with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston, Frisell focuses on wringing every last drop ...
Continue ReadingBill Frisell Four al Naima Jazz Club di Forlì
by Maurizio Comandini
Bill Frisell Four Naima Jazz Club Forlì 31 ottobre 2024 Bill Frisell al Naima Jazz Club di Forlì è una bella conferma di come il jazz di respiro internazionale sappia trovare percorsi e situazioni anche al di fuori delle grandi città. Il chitarrista americano, 73 anni ben portati, è in tour in Europa col suo gruppo Four. Tre date in Italia: Perugia, Forlì, Milano. Il nome del gruppo è anche il titolo del disco che ...
Continue ReadingBill Frisell, Kit Downes, Andrew Cyrille: Breaking the Shell
by Alberto Bazzurro
Ogni tanto Bill Frisell si concede qualche scappatella fuori dai patrii confini (che già per loro conto variano, vedi il recente Orchestras). In questo nuovo, singolare lavoro, uscito in realtà a oltre due anni dalla sua incisione (maggio 2022), il grande chitarrista recupera scorie (nell'accezione più alta del termine) di quel sano sperimentalismo che, all'interno della sua produzione abituale (più o meno, come si diceva), non gli fa sostanzialmente più compagnia da tempo. Intendiamoci: l'ex ragazzo di Baltimora ...
Continue ReadingOctober 2024: Vinyl Special
by Pat Youngspiel
Each of the following six recordings has been issued in a state-of-the-art vinyl pressing that does justice to the quality of the music it contains. In an age where the physical medium is in radical decline, these editions can be considered reminders of the additional value a work of art is given, when one can hold it in their hands, also admiring the editorial work that goes into its creation. There are no re-issues among these albums, but exclusively freshly ...
Continue ReadingBill Frisell / Andrew Cyrille / Kit Downes: Breaking the Shell
by Mike Jurkovic
When in as unique a setting as St. Luke in the Fields, the English village-like church on Hudson Street in Greenwich Village, it only figures that guitarist Bill Frisell, pipe organist Kit Downes and drummer Andrew Cyrille would rise to the distinct occasion and create something equally anomalous. A grand host of noir sci-fi themes and motifs run through Breaking the Shell. And it is awesome to hear. The trio is in an active, real-time thought experiment: what music will emerge, ...
Continue ReadingEliane Elias: Time And Again
by Edward Blanco
Internationally-renowned Brazilian jazz pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias presents her third recording on the Candid label--and the 32nd release of her long and distinguished career--on the innovative and creative Time and Again, a collection of eight new original sambas, which feature her piano, keyboards and singing in both English and Portuguese. As Mark Wexler, head of Candid Records states, With each recording, Elaine proves she has no boundaries and showcases her mastery of song, musicianship and vocalese. She is an ...
Continue ReadingChantal Acda: Silently Held
by Neil Duggan
Somewhere near the point where jazz, Americana and alt-folk meet, Belgian singer-songwriter Chantal Acda can be found. She has carved out a distinctive sound using a restricted and intimate sonic landscape crafted to enhance her vocal delivery. Her voice is soft and breathy with a fragile edge, and she delivers her lyrics with an intense focus. She has recorded solo and with differing groups of musicians on her previous albums. For Silently Held, she is joined by some outstanding players ...
Continue ReadingJazz Musician of the Day: Bill Frisell
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Bill Frisell's birthday today!
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later, Bill studied music at the ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Bill Frisell
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Bill Frisell's birthday today!
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later, Bill studied music at the ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Bill Frisell
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Bill Frisell's birthday today!
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later, Bill studied music at the ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Bill Frisell
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Bill Frisell's birthday today!
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later, Bill studied music at the ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Bill Frisell
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Bill Frisell's birthday today!
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later... Read more.
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Int'l Society Of Jazz Arrangers & Composers' May 16-18, 2019 At The University Of Northern Colorado
Source:
Scott Thompson Public Relations
Almost 100 individuals from over 25 states and 10 countries will be sharing their work, philosophies, techniques, and insights over the 2.5 day conference. If you haven't already registered and made plans to attend...do so now! Discounted early-bird registration ends March 22nd. For more information (including hotel & travel) registration, and program ad opportunities, visit isjac.org. Featured Artist Lineup The fourth International Jazz Composers' Symposium, co-sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado and the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and ...
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International Jazz Composers' Symposium Set for May 16-18, 2019 At The University Of Northern Colorado—Featured Artist Lineup Announced!
Source:
Scott Thompson Public Relations
The fourth International Jazz Composers' Symposium, co-sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado and the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC), will be held in the new School of Music facilities at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO from May 16-18, 2019. The Symposium is designed as a forum to bring jazz composers of all ages and nationalities together for an informal exchange of ideas, information, and inspiration. This year's Symposium will include noted master artists ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Bill Frisell
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Bill Frisell's birthday today!
Born in Baltimore, Bill Frisell played clarinet throughout his childhood in Denver, Colorado. His interest in guitar began with his exposure to pop music on the radio. Soon, the Chicago Blues became a passion through the work of Otis Rush, B.B. King, Paul Butterfield and Buddy Guy. In high school, he played in bands covering pop and soul classics, James Brown and other dance material. Later... Read more.
Place our Musician ...
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"Bill Frisell, A Portrait" Now Available on BluRay, DVD and VOD
Source:
All About Jazz
"Winning Portrait About A Very Nice Guitarist” —New York Times Critics Choice Following a successful year on the festival circuit and cinema runs in jny: New York City and jny: Los Angeles, Australian filmmaker Emma Franz’s intimate and insightful film portrait of renowned virtuoso guitarist and composer Bill Frisell is now avail able on BluRay, DVD and VOD , exclusively from: BillFrisellFilm.com Grammy Award-winner and ten-time Downbeat Guitarist of the Year, Frisell has garnered countless accolades from critics, audiences and ...
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Bill Frisell Offers Special Download To Benefit Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Source:
John Kelman
Worldwide release date: September 18, 2017 American guitarist, Bill Frisell, one of the most sought after voices in contemporary music is offering a special download to benefit Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner’s Hurricane Harvey relief fund. 100% of the profits will go to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund which was created by Turner, as a direct response to individuals and corporations asking how they could help the city. On Monday, August 28th, three days after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Turner who ...
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"Frisell is a revered figure among musicians - like Miles Davis and few others, his signature is built from pure sound and inflection; an anti-technique that is instantly identifiable." - The Philadelphia Inquirer
Adam Levy
guitarJohnnie Valentino
guitarSimone Guiducci
guitar, acousticDave Devine
guitarRyan Meagher
guitarSamo Salamon
guitar, electricGreg Diamond
guitar, electricMargaret Slovak
guitarNeil Nail Alexander
pianoLee Barbour
guitarPete McCann
guitarPeter Knoll
guitarScott Sawyer
guitarTodd Sickafoose
bass, acousticMike Lorenz
guitarMartin Fabricius
vibraphoneSienna Dahlen
vocalsOscar Penas
guitarRicardo Pinheiro
guitar, electricDan Andersen
guitar, electricKevin Brady
drumsBob Lanzetti
guitarLynn Ligammari
saxophoneMatthew Charles Heulitt
guitarTom Collier
vibraphoneDave Howard
guitar, electricMarco Oppedisano
guitar, electricDaniel Reyes Llinás
guitarChrister Fredriksen
guitar, electricDave Fabris
guitarGiampiero Spina
guitarThomas Dahl
guitarDerek Bomback
guitarRay Sandoval
guitarHugo Fernandez
guitarVic Dillahay
guitarPedro Velasco
guitarAlexander Kelley
guitarChristian Doering
guitar, electricJay Sanders
guitarThe Westerlies
band / ensemble / orchestraMarco Moura
guitarToine Thys
saxophone, tenorHiroshi Fukutomi
guitarNishad Pandey
guitarBjörn Meyer
bass, electricJohan Ransby Granberg
guitarZac Carson
bassJosep-Manel Vega
guitarDavid G Bailis
guitarMarco Antonio Santos
guitarMax Ridgway
guitar, electricPhil Dawson
guitarJohannes Luley
guitarGregg Fine
guitarJay Reed
guitarFilip Dinev
guitarAaron Dolman
drumsCody Steinmann
guitarKyle Poehling
drumsKonstantin Ivchuk
guitarThe Beat Freaks
band / ensemble / orchestraFelipe Mendoza
guitar, electricArcangelo Pezzella
guitar, electricGabe Terracciano
violinGraphite Addiction
band / ensemble / orchestraKuba Wójcik
guitarWilliam Chernoff
bassGorm Askjær
guitarJosh Sheiman
guitarJohn Mailander
violinLuca Lo Bianco
bassB/Y Organism
guitarAntonio Cece
guitarEnrico Degani
guitarKurt Leege
guitarMarc Crofts
violinLorenzo Iorio
guitarDom Angelo Mongiovi
guitar, electricFrancesco Mascio
guitarHolli Scott
vocalsUnscientific Italians
band / ensemble / orchestraJesse Shafer
guitarSebastien Pittet
bass, electricJakub Zolubak
guitarAlex Hand
guitarHayes Cummings
guitarGaute Storsve
guitarGeorge Grydkovets
guitarRyan Joseph Sands
drumsThomas J Wassell
guitar, electricHarry Bartlett
guitarJoby
authorKingsley Durant
guitarJean-Marc Hebert
guitarHallgrim Bratberg
guitar, electricKenny Reichert
guitarHébert
guitar, electricMartin Iaies
guitar, electricBrett Hansen
guitarShai Jaschek
guitarChris Mosley
guitarVironas Ntolas
guitarNico Moreno
guitar, electricNastazio Gkoumas
guitar, electricMarcel Lüscher
saxophone, tenorThe Neighborhood Quartet
vibraphoneAlex Dante
guitar, electricTom Nazziola
composer / conductorIan Raymond Smit
guitarStefan Strasser
pianoPhotos
Concerts
Music
Ornette Goes Home
From: All Species ParadeBy Bill Frisell
Interpret It Well
From: Interpret It WellBy Bill Frisell
Odious Mode
From: Impulsive IlluminationsBy Bill Frisell
1968
From: Previously Unreleased AAJ...By Bill Frisell
Strange Meeting
From: Previously Unreleased AAJ...By Bill Frisell
Brittle, Like Twigs
From: It's Mostly ResidualBy Bill Frisell