Bill Frisell was born in Baltimore on March 18, 1951, but he was raised in Denver, Colorado. He attended the University of Northern Colorado where he studied music and then went to Berklee School of Music in Boston to study with Jim Hall.
He got his big break when Pat Metheny couldn't make a session with Paul Motian and recommended Bill Frisell. He has regularly played with Paul Motian ever since, even recording a few albums together. Bill was active in the New York City music scene in the 80's.
In 2005 he won a Grammy Award for best contemporary jazz album for Unspeakable. My favorite albums so far, not having heard them all, are Have a Little Faith and Nashville. Have a Little Faith features Gershwin and others. It has the complete Billy the Kid.
Nashville is, well, like what I think wonderful
country music could be.
The best way to enjoy Bill though is live and in person. He is a man of few words. When NJG and I saw him in Annapolis over the summer, NJG bet me that he wouldn't say more than 20 words the whole night. I think the count was 13. He does all his talking with the guitar. He looks like he just loves to play and I really enjoy watching someone who enjoys performing. You have your chance to join me tonight and see him at An Die Musik he is playing at 8 pm and again at 9:30 pm. Yes, we will be at both. He is that good. He is also performing at the same venue tomorrow. An Die Musik is a very small, intimate venue, you will be lucky if it isn't sold out already.
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Bill's music defies description, and his talent and versatility has made him one of the most sought out studio musicians in the world, playing on literally hundreds of recordings for other artists. I should also note that his collaboration with Joe Lovano and Paul Motian (2 more all-time greats) in the Paul Motian Trio has yielded more than "a few" records...I'd bet a dozen or more. Among my favorites are the Paul Motian Trio on Broadway series. But, you're right, CCG, the real treat is seeing him live in a small venue. An Die Musik is definitely The Place toi be tonight and tomorrow night, if you're lucky enough to score tix at this late date.
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