After having distinguished himself greatly in intimate contexts, the American guitarist joined forces with the Brussels Philharmonic and the Umbria Jazz Orchestra for “Orchestra”, a double album created with flexibility and without killing the desire for improvisation.
The last time we spoke with him was in January 2011 during a wonderful time Mexican tears with Vinícius Cantuária. What has happened since then? “So many things, in my life and in the world. I really don’t know where to start.” smiles Bill Frisell, installed in his office in Seattle. So let’s start again with the last sentence he said to us, in a bar opposite the New Morning (Paris, 10) where he would perform a few hours later with his Brazilian friend. “Melody is something that is increasingly important to me. When you listen to Monk it strikes you: the power of emotion aroused by a song.
Thirteen years later, this phrase could be the key to listening to his new double album, with a simple title Orchestras. At the helm of his trio, the guitarist, who has often distinguished himself in intimate contexts, is associated with the Brussels Philharmonic, led with flexibility by Alexander Hanson, then with the Umbria Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble directed by Manuele Morbidini. Enough to enter the club of jazz musicians who have realized, with more or less happiness, the fantasy of the strings lined up alongside them. It is in the first category that we will place this album, whose arrangements should bring back happy memories for fans Urban landscape by Michael Brecker lit by Claus Ogerman, or the many nuances of the goldsmith Gil Evans. On a Thin Thread, Bill Frisel