Elvis Costello, the TV host of a music talk show Dec 2, 2008
Guests with the house band have included the guitarist Bill Frisell and the bassist Charlie Haden. "When I met him for our pitch, he said, 'I want this be to a show about genres of music that may have been forgotten, about artists that haven't been in the spotlight and people performing in a way they haven't before,"' said Laura Michalchyshyn, the general manager of the Sundance Channel, who considered Costello's Letterman gig a de facto audition. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Legend McCoy Tyner jazzed about joining forces Nov 21, 2008
Then there's his new Half Note Records album, GUITARS, which finds him engaging in alternately graceful and charged dialogues with banjo master B;la Fleck and guitar greats John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot and Derek Trucks. Not all of the pairings work. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
In this quartet, McCoy Tyner shows he's the real thing Nov 17, 2008
His new album Guitars, is a collaboration with four jazz guitarists (John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Derek Trucks) and banjo player, Bela Fleck - and something of a departure for Tyner ... From the lush, grand moments of his version of Bill Frisell's Boubacar, to the light playfulness of his own Blues On the Corner - a song he first recorded shortly after splitting with Coltrane - the real show was watching his explosive fingering. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
'Self renewing' piece is high point of dance concert Oct 21, 2008
The final piece, "Sand in Four Shifts" by ADT assistant director Courtland Weaver, set to music by Bill Frisell, was also memorable. Here though, the emotional force of the work was achieved by the aesthetically convincing succession of actions, a blend of both ballet and modern dance with a nod to pop. My favorite part was the second "movement," titled "sand man," which used a recurring slump, originating in the ankle, traveling up the leg and into the shoulders, as a kind of motif, and... (Anchorage Daily News)
* [CD REVIEWS] Taiwan Oct 15, 2008
The reverb tones of Deep Spring and Rainy Season create a dreamy mood that hints at the compositions of jazz guitarist Bill Frisell; rocking tracks like Metal Tank and The Freedom Highway are drenched with overdrive distortion. Overall, the songs hold up well after repeated listening, but sometimes predictability creeps in, and makes later tracks like Graduate Travel seem labored and melodramatic. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
This Week: Arts and entertainment picks Oct 6, 2008
BILL FRISELL LL MALONE. The pairing was originally slated to be Bill Frisell and Jim Hall, which would have been a nice disciple-master matchup because Hall was one of Frisell's teachers. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Jazz innovator to perform Sep 18, 2008
What: The Bill Frisell Trio featuring Tony Scherr and Rudy Royston Where: The State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave. When: 8 Tonight Details: Tickets are $27 ... Legendary jazz guitarist Bill Frisell will make a stop in State College tonight after a string of shows in New York City ... The Bill Frisell Trio will be playing at 8 p.m. in the State Theatre. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Keeping faith that the music will go on Sep 6, 2008
So did bluesmen Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter, jazzmen John Scofield and Bill Frisell, and many Boston acts from Sarah Borges to Chris Smither. "People always say, 'I can't believe there's a place like this,' " says co-owner Paul Nessel. (Boston Globe)
Smooth mix of jazz legends and new faces in Newport Aug 11, 2008
There was the tasteful, sympathetic interaction of bassist Charlie Haden, guitarist Bill Frisell, and pianist Ethan Iverson, who gathered just for the occasion. There was the infectious Latin jazz of Guillermo Klein y Los Guachos, the pulsating funk of Soulive, and the rock-band attitude of the Marco Benevento Trio, which covered songs by Led Zeppelin, My Morning Jacket, and Deerhoof. (Boston Globe)
Hancock wins 'Musician of the Year' Jun 24, 2008
Other Jazz Awards winners included: Andy Bey (male singer), Abbey Lincoln (female singer), Terence Blanchard (trumpet), Wycliffe Gordon, (trombone), Sonny Rollins (tenor sax), Jane Ira Bloom (soprano sax), James Carter (baritone sax), Bill Frisell (guitar), Christian McBride (bass), Steve Swallow (electric bass), violinist Regina Carter (stringed instrument), Candido Camero (percussion), and author Doug Ramsey (Jazz Journalism Lifetime Achievement). Share this on. (CNN -- Showbiz)
* New but nostalgic, the music of Ken Ohtake Jun 20, 2008
Yet Ohtake acknowledges these styles as the building blocks of his playing X in his early years, he studied jazz, and he cites guitarist Bill Frisell as an early influence. I hope my music will be something new for the audience but I also hope they will [feel] some nostalgia, Ohtake says after a rehearsal last Monday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
A harmonious sound Jun 10, 2008
The Brooklyn-based violinist and composer has made a name as both an expansive young bandleader and an in-demand sidewoman backing artists like Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, and Lucinda Williams, but now Scheinman is taking a turn in the spotlight - and at the microphone - touring in support of her first, self-titled vocal album. Her show at the MFA's Remis Auditorium was an absolute pleasure. (Boston Globe)
The two faces of Jenny May 27, 2008
Cutting a wide swath across the New York jazz scene since the late 1990s, the violinist has collaborated with an extraordinary menagerie of artists, from crafting arrangements for Lou Reed, Bono, and Lucinda Williams to accompanying Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and Marc Ribot ... As an improviser and composer, Scheinman offers "Crossing the Field," a digital and vinyl release (it's out on CD in the fall) that's even more melodically rewarding than her highly praised 2005 album, "12... (Boston Globe)
Back to his old self May 13, 2008
Guitarist Bill Frisell has inhabitated many genres over the past quarter century. Sometimes he manages to do so on a single album, as he does on his new two-disc set. (Boston Globe)
Scherr Of Himself May 6, 2008
"It's in here somewhere," says Tony Scherr, digging through one of the piles in his cluttered Brooklyn recording studio. Eventually he comes up with a wrinkled sheet of paper. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
A life in between worlds May 2, 2008
"I was playing a lot of licks, because I had to transcribe John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Pat Metheny. I started missing my own personality.". Loueke says he re-listened to old tapes of himself playing, much earlier in his education. (Boston Globe)
The Hear & Now May 2, 2008
Guests have included viola player , guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist and others. Martine, Kang and have been around since the outset. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Two jazz progressives take divergent CD paths Mar 20, 2008
"Although Roger contributes pieces, in general I write the music for [Cap Gun]. I've always been a big fan of Bill Frisell, and I love Herbie Hancock -- 'Headhunters' is a great record.". Though based in elements of fringe jazz, both groups are finding their own path shifting slowly towards the center. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
More of this story Mar 1, 2008
Horvitz has recorded 30 albums of his own music and has played on about 200 others, collaborating with Bill Frisell, John Zorn and Robin Holcomb, among others. Santana drummer Michael Shrieve and Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron joined Horvitz for projects with his band Pigpen in the '90s. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Guitar legend Bill Frisell's diverse songbook defies his jazz label Jan 31, 2008
Bill Frisell speaks slowly and calmly, like the Mr. Rogers of jazz. But all is not mellow in Mr. Frisell's Neighbourhood. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
THE KING OF KID ROCK Jan 20, 2008
Recently we were doing a countrypolitan" episode and [jazz guitarist] Bill Frisell was in town, so we jumped on the chance. That episode actually has Bill Frisell and Smokey Hormel [who's played with Beck, Justin Timberlake and Johnny Cash] on guitar, which is pretty highfalutin for a show aimed at 3-year-olds! Do you ever wonder if you are working way above the heads of the audience? No, but we joke about that, like in one episode where we used some kind of Robert Fripp-Jon Hassell reverb so... (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Lamb's Players lands a prize: 'Light' Dec 17, 2007
com): Bill Frisell & Joey Baron, Jan. 8-9; Chris Hillman and Amy Loftus; Jan. 12; Chuchito Valdes, Jan. 18; Stanley Clarke, Jan. 25-26; Robben Ford, Jan. 31; Poncho Sanchez, Feb. 1-2; Raul Malo, Feb. 3-4; Charles McPherson and Tom Harrell, Feb. 16; Pat Metheny Trio, featuring Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez, Feb. 26-27. Belly Up Tavern (Bellyup. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Weekend Calendar Dec 7, 2007
BLUE NOTE: Through Sunday: Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motian Trio. 131 W. Third St.; (212) 475-8592. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
'Disfarmer Project' melds visual storytelling, music Nov 9, 2007
BILL FRISELL: Guitarist presents a captivating multimedia show ... Bill Frisell's project graced UAA's Wendy Williamson Auditorium on Tuesday night. (Anchorage Daily News)
Disfarmer lives on in ‘musical portraits’ Oct 25, 2007
Musical Portraits from Heber Springs: Bill Frisell s Disfarmer Project will be featured at Hendrix College Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Staples Auditorium at the Conway college ... Captivated by Disfarmer s photographs, celebrated guitarist Bill Frisell composed music to be performed in harmony with projected images of Disfarmer s work ... Throughout his career, Frisell has collaborated on dozens of remarkable albums including East/West, The Willies, Petra Haden and Bill Frisell, Blues Dream,... (Heber Springs Sun-Times, AR)
Public radio Oct 13, 2007
The Montana Standard. The Montana Standard. (Montana Standard, MT)
Jazz moves to sunny June slot Oct 11, 2007
Were you there, late on Sunday afternoon of this year s Telluride Jazz Celebration, when Bill Frisell took the stage and the rains plunged to earth. It was like someone had knifed the belly of the clouds. (Telluride Daily Planet, CO)
SF Gate: Entertainment: Music & Nightlife Oct 10, 2007
Oct 10 - Oct 14, Yoshis, Oakland Like his fret peers Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny, John Scofield long ago decided that "jazz" was too limiting a word for what he does, which is play terrifyingly. what lect. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Not average your Joe Sep 21, 2007
Civilians boasts collaborations with jazz guitar master Bill Frisell, dobro specialist Greg Leisz, and Brian Wilson s frequent collaborator, pianist Van Dyke Parks ... So the fact that I ve worked with Ornette [Coleman] and Brian Blade and Bill Frisell doesn t hurt my cred in the car pool one bit. (Boston Globe)
All That Jazz Sep 20, 2007
Guitarist Charlie Hunter and pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, who will also play Yoshi's Oakland, will appear at the new club in the coming year, as will guitarists Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell with their trios and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval's Mambo Mania Big Band. The predominately African American neighborhood, where black clubs welcomed racially mixed audiences during the Fillmore's heyday in the 1940s and '50s, has become a multicultural mix. (San Francisco Chronicle)
From Tarantino to the Turner ... Aug 28, 2007
This tour to mark the 70th birthday of British composer Mike Gibbs - responsible for some of the richest jazz tapestries since Gil Evans' demise - features spectacular saxophonists Julian Siegel and Julian Arguelles, alongside American guest stars: guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Adam Nussbaum. Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester (0161-907 5555), October 2, then touring. (Guardian Unlimited)
New Travis Tritt CD flirts with funk Aug 21, 2007
Floratone, Floratone, Blue Note RecordsThroughout his career, guitarist Bill Frisell has worn a coat of many colors, ranging from red-seared rock in John Zorns mid-80s Cobra game pieces to his earth-toned roots music fascination following his 1997 bluegrass-jazz Nashville masterwork. But hes never participated in the freewheeling kind of creative convergence spotlighted on Floratone. (MSNBC -- Music)
Taking her bow to a grab bag of styles Aug 3, 2007
At the same time, her jazz work has only deepened: She's close with Bill Frisell, who appears on her most recent album, 2005's "12 Songs," and a new disc she's recording adds to that lineup the exceptional pianist Jason Moran. On Wednesday, she brings to Regattabar another group altogether, featuring drummer Jim Black, bassist Todd Sickafoose, and Nels Cline, who has recently emerged from the penumbra of the avant-garde into the limelight as the lead guitarist for Wilco. (Boston Globe)
Symphonies on a six-string Jul 4, 2007
Long before it disappeared into bankruptcy, Tower Records put out a monthly magazine called Pulse, which featured a readers column that drove guitarist Bill Frisell nuts ... Bill Frisell plays the Festival International de Jazz de Montr. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Picks of the week Jun 22, 2007
Tonight and tomorrow night: Unique guitarist Bill Frisell, in a trio featuring the rhythm team of bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Kenny Wollesen, continues a three-night stand at the Regattabar. Harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans, backed by the Kenny Werner Trio, is at Scullers for two nights. (Boston Globe)
Montreal Jazz Jun 22, 2007
It's the thread that connects jazz acts the festival is producing this year, like Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Wayne Shorter and Bill Frisell, with world music acts like Anglique Kidjo, Femi Kuti and Richard Bona, with rock acts like Garth Hudson, Rickie Lee Jones and the Cowboy Junkies. It's not a punk or grunge attitude, obviously, but a dedication to musicianship and exploration -- a willingness to stretch and take chances. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
more » Jun 17, 2007
June 18 June 15, 2007 Labeling anyone an "experimental jazz guitarist" is a great way to shrink his audience base to almost non-existent, which is why here we will simply call Bill Frisell a guitarist and leave it at that ... The Bill Frisell Trio appears at Firehouse 12 for an intimate evening of the guitar legend's jazzy-bluesy-new agey-funky utterly unclassifiable sound. (CTNow.com)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jun 16, 2007
" Well I don't really see a dearth of local news, I just see more features in addition to all the little community announcements. Last week's issue is a good example. It contained the first thoughtful, thorough examination of the environmental and legislative issues surrounding the Point Reyes National Seashore's lease to Drake's Bay Oyster Farm that I have read. This is the most important issue in West Marin right now, as far as I'm concerned, and I commend the Light's full-page analysis to... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Main in Motion kicks off this month Jun 8, 2007
Other big names are Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, Bill Frisell. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings kicks off the Rion on Friday night. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Rochester International Jazz Festival 6th Edition is in Full Swing June 8-16 -- Legendary Performers, Hottest Emerging Artists, International Soul, Fr Jun 8, 2007
Others include the Kyle Eastwood Band, Geri Allen Trio, Randy Brecker 5tet, Fred Hersch Trio, Mamadou Diabate Ensemble, Harry Allen Quartet, Christian Scott, James Moody 4tet, Don Byron's "Ivey Dyvey" the Bill Frisell Trio, Maceo Parker, and Shooter Jennings ... Others include the Kyle Eastwood Band, Geri Allen Trio, Randy Brecker 5tet, Fred Hersch Trio, Mamadou Diabate Ensemble, Harry Allen Quartet, Christian Scott, James Moody 4tet, Don Byron's "Ivey Dyvey" the Bill Frisell Trio, Maceo Parker,... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
» Concert listings May 31, 2007
June 20 - The Bill Frisell Trio with Tony Scher and Kenny Wollesen. $28. (CTNow.com)
Comprehensive event listings May 20, 2007
5/31-8/16: Summer artists include Mahavishnu Project, Don Byron Ivey-Divey Trio, Omar Sosa, Bill Frisell Trio, Ron Carter Trio, Boston Musical Theater. Django Reinhardt Festival featuring Dorado Schmitt, Charlie Haden with Paul Bley, Jenny Schneinman Band with Nels Cline from Wilco, Sonny Landreth. (Boston Globe)
The Buzz: Jazz May 20, 2007
Also of note : Bill Frisell at Regattabar, June 21-23; Abdullah Ibrahim at the Real Deal, July 27-28 (617-876-7777; concertix ... Second-weekend options include Ravi Coltrane , Robert Glasper , Buddy Guy, and Toumani Diabat ; in between, there's Bill Frisell, C saria vora , Chaka Khan, Meshell Ndegeocello , and a plethora of others. (Boston Globe)
The Spot For Jazz May 13, 2007
" Among the other jazz stars who have availed themselves of the exquisite sound and ambience are Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson, Bill Frisell, Chucho Valds, John Zorn, Poncho Sanchez, Marian McPartland, Bud Shank, Woody Allen, Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard, Pat Metheny, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, Elvin Jones, John Scofield, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Cecil Taylor ... the list goes on. Some of those artists are capable of filling 3,000-seat halls, yet they still come to Yoshi's. "This... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Telluride Jazz Celebration To Feature Scofield May 12, 2007
According to the Web site allmusic, Scofield is "one of the "big three" of current jazz guitarists (along with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell)." Early in his career, Scofield recorded with Miles Davis and Charles Mingus ... Other artists scheduled to appear as headliners include: guitarist Bill Frisell; organist Dr. Lonnie Smith; trumpeters Roy Hargrove and Arturo Sandoval; trombonist Steve Turre; Sharon Jones ap Kings; vocalists Giacomo Gates and Roberta Gambarini; and bassist/vocalist Esperanza... (CBS 4, CO)
Three distinct styles make up 'A Night of Guitars' May 3, 2007
Earl Klugh says "A Night of Guitars" performances allow him to "pull things together very spontaneously" with Bill Frisell and Russell Malone ... That's guitars, plural -- in addition to Klugh's fingerstyle classical technique identified mostly with "smooth jazz," the evening includes "fusion" legend Bill Frisell and Russell Malone, who tends toward more traditional jazz. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Despite marketing, NIN nails it again Apr 30, 2007
Produced by Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Bill Frisell and previous Veirs work), the new release shimmers with nuance to drag the sound out of routine folk-pop. Hydraulic shots of air and pounding keyboards propel the pace of "Don't Lose Yourself," for instance, and Eyvind Kang's viola adds a watery current to "Ocean Night Song.". (Scripps Howard News Wire)
'Viktor Krauss II' Released On Back Porch Records Apr 25, 2007
His recording and touring credits include a wide range of performers, including Carly Simon, Bill Frisell, Elvis Costello and Graham Nash, among others. "Viktor Krauss II," in addition to the richly-textured instrumentals for which Krauss is most well known, also features three guest vocal appearances by Lovett, Shawn Colvin, and Ben Taylor. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Indie Study: Laura Veirs eclectic folk rock Apr 20, 2007
Martines studio skills are frequently sought out by numerous bands, including The Decembrists and Mudhoney, as well as renowned keyboardist Wayne Horvitz and guitarist Bill Frisell, who guests on Saltbreakers. . (MSNBC -- Music)
No Boundaries Mar 14, 2007
When guitarist Bill Frisell shuffles his iPod, the closing strains of an Ives symphony might fade into the stinging slide guitar of bluesman Blind Willie Johnson. That could flow into the sound of Bob Dylan's voice or Glenn Gould playing Bach, a Hank Williams ballad, a Sonny Rollins calypso, some African music or a Kentucky banjo picker. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Lineup announced for Telluride Jazz Celebration Mar 3, 2007
Other notables: the Bill Frisell trio. Frisell was Downbeat magazine s 2006 guitarist of the year. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Perla Batalla Presents The Gospel According to Leonard Cohen Feb 26, 2007
Performers: Dave Alvin, Perla Batalla, Jackson Browne, Julie Christensen, Javier Colis, Debra Dobkin, Michael Elizondo Jr., Bill Frisell, Bill Gable, Martha Gonzalez, Karen Hammack, Don Heffington, Greg Leisz, Kevin McCormick, Michael McDonald, Dave Palmer, Jill Sobule, Howard Tate, Don Was, John Adams Middle School Madrigal Singers, Steve Weisberg (musical director) ... " And Michael McDonald's rich, easy tone is lovely, but in the service of "Coming Back to You" and "Hallelujah," it felt like... (Variety)
Singer-Songwriter Carrie Rodriguez on the Road With Lucinda Williams Feb 21, 2007
"Seven Angels On A Bicycle" was co-produced by Carrie and Chip Taylor, and features an eclectic group of musicians: jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and his own frequent bandmates, drummer Kenny Wollesen and bassist (and fellow Back Porch artist) Viktor Krauss; pedal and lap steel player Greg Leisz, jazz saxophonist (and Carrie's husband) Javier Vercher; and Taylor on acoustic guitar. Carrie's touring band will consist of: Carrie Rodriguez -- vocals, fiddle & mandobird; Hans Holzen -- electric... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Jazzman's Nod Feb 18, 2007
Byron plays clarinet on one track and bass clarinet on another, but he blows tenor sax on the 10 others, including one non-Walker tune, James Brown's "There it Is." The disc was produced by Byron's longtime friend and manager Hans Wendl, a Berkeley resident of German birth whose extensive credits include albums by Charlie Haden, Ravi Shankar, Peter Apfelbaum and Bill Frisell, plus Bay Area artists Todd Sickafoose, Beth Custer and Tin Hat. "I always loved Jr. Walker," Byron, 48, says in a... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Lucinda Williams: West (4 stars out of 5) Feb 16, 2007
A stellar studio band that included avant-jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan), violinist Jenny Scheinman and drummer Jim Keltner is flexible enough to add subtle touches to the softer songs and expand them in interesting ways at points. For instance, there's a frenetic violin interlude near the end of the otherwise understated "Where Is My Love?" that lends a welcome strangeness. (Orlando Sentinel -- Entertainment)
Lucinda Williams steering beyond Car Wheels Feb 14, 2007
Willner's background is more avant garde than alt country, with Lou Reed, Bill Frisell and tribute albums to Charles Mingus and Thelonius Monk on his production resume. Willner surrounds her songs with new flavors. (MSNBC -- Music)
This week's reviews Feb 13, 2007
The best backing musicians shes ever had deserve some of the credit guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Jim Keltner, to name just two, match Williams best poetic im pulses note for word. Mostly, though, Williams sounds as if she has learned how to move on. (USA Today -- Life)
Williams takes long way home on 'West' (Scott Galupo) Feb 13, 2007
The set's co-producer, Hal Willner, cautiously challenged Miss Williams' sonic palette, helpfully incorporating electronic samples and the cranky fretwork of guitarist Bill Frisell into skeletal song arrangements that depend all too much on expectations of rapt attention to Miss Williams' artful turns of phrase. On the penultimate song, aptly titled "Words," Miss Williams proudly shows her cards: "They still remain my only companion, loyal and true to the very end." Great for pure poets --... (Washington Times)
It's concert central as more than a dozen acts hit local stages Jan 26, 2007
Beginning tonight, when crooning rocker John Mayer plays University of Miami's Convocation Center, a slew of musical acts are coming to town, including -- but not limited to -- Willie Nelson, Prince, the Red Hot Chili Peppers (with the it-band of '06, Gnarls Barkley, opening), Yo La Tengo, Kanye West, John Legend, the Indigo Girls, Sugarland, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Idan Raichel, Bill Frisell, etc. What is it, Spring Break. (The Miami Herald)
Duster with a modern twang Jan 15, 2007
All Hat also will be released with a soundtrack by Grammy-winning guitarist-composer Bill Frisell. Which is sort of a big deal because, while Frisell, 55, has made dozens of recordings in the last 25 years, creating an oeuvre both retro and spacey, he hasn't worked on many soundtracks. (Globe and Mail)
