Wow, it's been a while! I've been swamped with work the last few weeks so my blogging has been somewhat hampered. And I'm sorry to say that for the next few weeks it may be the same. I apologize in advance, but I still encourage you all to check the blog somewhat frequently--you never know when a new post will appear.
Anyway, I was in Chicago this week and attended a fantastic concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music (although it was a jazz concert). I saw the legendary guitarist Bill Frisell playing with his trio! (Tony Scherr on bass and Rudy Royston on drums) For those of you who are not already familiar with Bill Frisell allow me to introduce you to him. Bill Frisell is a "jazz" guitarist. I quote jazz because he is not really a jazz guitarist; Bill Frisell plays in the genre of "Bill Frisell." There is certainly a heavy amount of jazz influence in his playing, but at the same time, he does not usually adhere to the jazz format of playing and often departs from the jazz sound, sometimes to a fusion-like sound, but at other times to a full fledged bluegrass sound, or perhaps a classical sound. It is a very rare occasion that Frisell plays something entirely as straight jazz. This being said, he is generally known for his mellow sound and tasteful playing and use of effects. Ever since the eighties he has been one of the most prominent guitarists on the jazz scene and has played with many greats including Charlie Haden, Joe Lovano, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, Dave Holland, John Zorn, and Paul Motian.
This particular show was pretty straight-forward--for Frisell. He even played a jazz standard, "What is this Thing Called Love" in a pretty standard format. But overall the set of six or so songs was reminiscent of "West" in Bill Frisell's live album "East/West." For the most part the group did away with the jazz format of melody in, solos over the form, and melody out. Beneath an colorful and full outer layer of sound there was a smaller-sounding melody. But, after this was played the group seemed to follow the soloist rather than the melody. The soloist (most of the soloing was done by Frisell) lead the group through the song, often abandoning the form and taking the group to new places. It kept me entranced with the show because the songs would start one way and slowly build up energy while gravitating from place to place. And Frisell did not fail to impress anyone with his individual playing. His tasteful and dynamic playing kept the audience leaning in. Although much of the show was a group effort, each member managed to shine individually. Tony Scherr, the bassist, took a few outstanding solos and the drummer Rudy Royston played with great fluidity and taste throughout. His one solo was one of the high points of the night, showcasing dynamic, fluid, and intricate rhythms.
This show was one of the best concerts I have ever attended. It was not boring; the group did what it always has done. It challenged the norm in music. It did not play according to the standard jazz format. It utilized fantastic dynamic shifts. The focus was not on playing everything correct. Rather, the focus was on doing something interesting. And you know that when a group does this, especially Frisell, that it is going to be good.
To hear a good example of Frisell check out the link below.
