Bill Frisell: All We Are Saying (2011)

Consummate guitarist, composer and musical interpreter Bill Frisell has assembled a trusted ensemble consisting of Jenny Scheinman (violin), Tony Scherr (bass), Greg Leisz (guitars) and Kenny Wollesen (drums) to record his definitive take on the classic songs of John Lennon. Titled "ALL WE ARE SAYING," the project has long been in the works--one could go as far back as the first time he heard the Beatles at the age of 13. Fast forward a few decades and Frisell is asked to put together an impromptu set in honor of John Lennon as part of a special event in Paris. The preparation, performances and reception to these compositions was an inspiration nurtured to fruition with this project. Recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and produced by Lee Townsend, "ALL WE ARE SAYING" has been released on Savoy Jazz on September 27.
Personnel:
Bill Frisell - guitar
Jenny Scheinman - violin
Tony Scherr - bass
Greg Leisz - guitars
Kenny Wollesen - drums
Tracklist:

1. Across the Universe
2. Revolution
3. Nowhere Man
4. Imagine
5. Please Please Me
6. You've Got Hide Your Love Away
7. Hold On
8. In My Life
9. Come Together
10. Julia
11. Woman
12. #9 Dream
13. Love
14. Beautiful Boy
15. Mother
16. Give Peace a Chance
17. Strawberry Fields

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Bill Frisell: Sign of Life (2011)

Bill Frisell's remarkable artistry shines through on this brand new album with his world renowned 858 string quartet. Featuring Jenny Scheinman (violin), Eyvind Kang (viola), and Hank Roberts (cello), Sign Of Life was born out of Bill's composing retreat in Vermont during the fall of 2010. The entire album was recorded, mixed, and mastered in only 3 months - the shortest gestation period ever for a Frisell recording.
It's hard to find a more fruitful meditation on American music than in the compositions of guitarist Bill Frisell. --NY Times

Tracklist:
1. It’s A Long Story (02:43)
2. Old Times (05:02)
3. Sign Of Life (02:51)
4. Friend Of Mine (Part One) (05:50)
5. Wonderland (03:20)
6. It’s A Long Story (06:35)
7. Mother Daughter (02:23)
8. Youngster (03:03)
9. Recollection (02:57)
10. Suitcase In My Hand (02:25)
11. Sixty Four (03:55)
12. Friend Of Mine (Part Two) (01:52)
13. Painter (01:17)
14. Teacher (01:30)
15. All The People, All The Time (02:07)
16. Village (04:23)
17. As It Should Be (01:52)
Sign Of Life, Music For 858 Quartet
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Re-Post - Joey DeFrancesco: Ballads And Blues (2002)

Don't be fooled by the title. While Ballads and Blues may sound like a mellow batch of tunes to listen to while strolling in the park, the ever-soulful Joey DeFrancesco has something else in mind. The album takes off with "Get It All," a groovy piece of funk complete with Paul Bollenback's zesty guitar and Byron Landham's balanced backbeat. A steady, rocking groove also defines pieces like "Take the Coltrane" and "Jammin' in the Basement." The latter cut, in particular, emanates a good vibe, perhaps due to the presence of brother John DeFrancesco on guitar and Papa John DeFrancesco on a second B-3. Other guests include Pat Martino and saxophonist Gary Bartz on two tracks each. At least two pieces, "Home on the Range" and "Mama Don't Allow No," suggest that DeFrancesco has been hanging out with genre-bending guitarist Bill Frisell. And while soul-jazz renditions of folk songs may sound like a strange mix, every cut flows together in a lovely mesh of organ, guitar, and drums. DeFrancesco ends the album in a flourish by adding his smooth, rich vocals to "That's All." While his fans probably will not wait for a recommendation to pick up Ballads and Blues, everyone else will find the album a good introduction to organ music for the new millennium.

Tracklist:
1. Get It All
2. These Are Soulful Days
3. Take The Coltrane
4. You Don't Know What Love Is
5. Jammin' In The Basement
6. Home On The Range
7. Ceora
8. Basin Street Blues
9. Mama Don't Allow No
10. That's All
Ballads And Blues
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Joey Baron: Down Home (1997)

Joey Baron draws from a wide variety of experiences in terms of playing and composition. Throw in his southern roots and the talents of alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe, bassist Ron Carter, and guitarist Bill Frisell--who reconcile their musical differences with ease--and you get a set that uniquely grooves from start to finish. The focus is funky blues for the most part, with the tunes (all Baron's) ranging from sophisticated amalgamations of down-home and up-town elements ("Mighty Fine") to simple vamps ("Wide Load," "What"). Baron's exacting drumming provides a focal point, ensuring that his eclectic vision becomes a funky reality.

Tracklist:
01 Mighty Fine 5:18
02 Little Boy 8:53
03 Wide Load 8:35
04 The Crock Pot 5:07
05 What 8:00
06 Listen to the Woman 1:47
07 Aren't We All? 6:40
08 Supposing 1:03
Personnel:
Joey Baron (Drums)
Arthur Blythe (Alto Saxophone)
Ron Carter (Double Bass)
Bill Frisell (Guitar)
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Bill Frisell: Beautiful Dreamers (2010)

'For a long time I'd had the dream of making a trio with Eyvind Kang and Rudy Royston. We've known each other for years and worked together in many situations. The idea came about as a result of the power and strength of the connection that happens when we play music together. It wasn't about the instruments, it was about the people. We played our first gig on June 7, 2008 in Eugene, Oregon and from the first note, it was working. Each time we get together the music feels new.....and old. Backwards and forwards. Up and down. Anything is possible. I can't wait to hear what happens next. Of course, the next thing on my mind was wishing, hoping we could make an album together of new music. I went to my friend Lee Townsend. Anyone familiar with my music needs no introduction to Lee. Over more than 20 years he has produced many of my albums. We were working together on another project at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley CA. and I started noticing the size, shape, sound, vibe of the room there. It was like it had been custom designed. The perfect set up and atmosphere to record this trio. The next thing I knew, we were in there recording and Savoy came along and wanted to put out the record! I'm so fortunate having the chance to play music with Eyvind and Rudy and having an audience willing to go along for the latest adventure. I'm the luckiest guy in the world being surrounded by all these folks who have so much faith and trust in the music, helping me to make my dreams come true. Beautiful dreamers.' - Bill Frisell

Tracklist:

01) Love Sick (1:03)

02) Winslow Homer (3:32)
03) Beautiful Dreamer (for Karle Seydel) (3:02)
04) A Worthy Endeavor (for Cajori) (5:24)
05) It?s Nobody’s Fault But Mine (4:34)
06) Baby Cry (6:21)
07) Benny’s Bugle (3:31)
08) Tea For Two (4:28)
09) No Time To Cry (1:36)
10) Better Than A Machine (for Vic Chesnutt) (2:49)
11) Goin’ Out Of My Head (2:46)
12) Worried Woman (4:44)
13) Keep On The Sunny Side (2:26)
14) Sweetie (4:28)
15) All We Can Do (6:16)
16) Who Was That Girl? (6:14)
Beautiful Dreamers
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Mike Stern: Play (1999)

Mike Stern is a preeminent guitarist for two key reasons: One, he can play all styles very well and with equal command; and two, he plays very well with all other players. He always shows great respect for those with whom he is playing and gives them each the time and space to develop their musical ideas. Stern displays these two qualities in abundance on Play. Several notable guests join Stern and his core band for this release. Guitarists John Scofield and Bill Frisell and drummer Dennis Chambers each team with Stern on several tracks. If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, listen to Stern and Scofield on the title track, or mix in Bob Malach's tenor sax on "Outta Town." If you like your guitar music slightly more spacious and lyrical, try Stern and Frisell on the hypnotic "Blue Tone" or the pensive "All Heart." Finally, if you want to turn up the heat and move into some rock/funk-influenced fusion, then check out the groovy "Tipatina's," the bold rocker "Link," or the intensely funky "Big Kids." It is no surprise, based on his other work, that Chambers, in particular, gives the band a kick in the musical pants inspiring bassist Lincoln Goines to enjoy the ride. Play is an outstanding guitar album from the highly accomplished and incredibly versatile Mike Stern. It is highly recommended.

Tracklist
1. Play (7:13)
2. Small World (5:24)
3. Outta Town (6:08)
4. Blue Tone (6:43)
5. Tipatina's (6:33)
6. All Heart (6:22)
7. Frizz (5:39)
8. Link (6:52)
9. Goin' Under (4:07)
10. Big Kids (7:27)
Play
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