Despite forging one of the most recognizable sounds on electric guitar over the last three decades, Bill Frisell has emphasized an ensemble-oriented approach for much of his career, one where his improvisations tend to shoot out of airy but rich arrangements like ethereal, meticulously pruned tendrils of melody and clouds of ambience. He’s functioned more as a jazz guitarist in certain contexts, like his recent work with Charles Lloyd or his long partnership with drummer Paul Motian and saxophonist Joe Lovano, and it’s that sound he conjures on Small Town (ECM), his stunning new album with bassist Thomas Morgan.…
Despite forging one of the most recognizable sounds on electric guitar over the last three decades, Bill Frisell has emphasized an ensemble-oriented approach for much of his career, one where his improvisations tend to shoot out of airy but rich arrangements like ethereal, meticulously pruned tendrils of melody and clouds of ambience. He’s functioned more as a jazz guitarist in certain contexts, like his recent work with Charles Lloyd or his long partnership with drummer Paul Motian and saxophonist Joe Lovano, and it’s that sound he conjures on Small Town (ECM), his stunning new album with bassist Thomas Morgan.…