Bill Frisell - Unspeakable
Product Information
Track List: Unspeakable
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- 1968Download & Buy
- White FangDownload & Buy
- SundustDownload & Buy
- Del CloseDownload & Buy
- Gregory C.Download & Buy
- StringbeanDownload & Buy
- Hymn For GinsburgDownload & Buy
- AliasDownload & Buy
- Who Was That Girl?Download & Buy
- D. SharpeDownload & Buy
- Fields Of AlfalfaDownload & Buy
- TonyDownload & Buy
- Old Sugar BearDownload & Buy
- Goodbye Goodbye GoodbyeDownload & Buy
More Bill Frisell CDs and Albums
Album Details: Unspeakable
- Release Date:
- 08/24/2004
- Label:
- Nonesuch
- UPC:
- 075597982824
User Reviews: Unspeakable
-
Bill and Friends top themselves again!
, August 28, 2004Reviewer: ishtar_pan - See all ishtar_pan's reviews
read all (1) user reviews for Unspeakable
Pro Reviews: Unspeakable
| EXPERT RATING: From AMG Reviews With the exception of 2003's Intercontinentals, Bill Frisell had been playing it pretty safe for some time, sticking to his own personal vision of variations on the Americana theme (with nearly all of those albums being produced by Lee Townsend, by the way). Well, a change of producers often means a change of pace, and teaming up with eclectic producer Hal Willner for Unspeakable seems to have gotten the creative juices flowing again. Their working relationship goes back a long ways, all the way back to the Amarcord: Nino Rota tribute from the early 80's. The use of a string section on more than 3/4 of the tunes already adds a different flavor to this album, but the fact that they seem to have taken inspiration from the sounds of classic soul music is what really sets this apart from others in the Frisell catalog. Not only that, but Frisell's delays return in a more prominent role AND he offers up some of his fiercest playing in years. There are a handful of introspective pieces that feature just the strings and guitar, with some slight sonic embellishments from Willner. The majority of the tunes, however, sound something like Bill Frisell scoring the music to Superfly The soul grooves are tough to miss, but with this cast of players, it comes off like some cinematic offshoot of Soul music. The grooves are fantastic, and Frisell really rises to the occasion, bringing back the delays, nasty disorted tone and ugly harmonics that have been largely absent from his more recent releases. There are still lots of lovely sounds, but it's great to hear him stretching out a bit more again. Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollesen have not only served as Frisell's rhythm section in the past, but they also play together in the Sex Mob. Sometimes aided by Don Alias, they really drive the tunes, with the strings and occasional horns punctuating the melody and Frisell's guitars floating all over the place. Willner's use of turntables and samplers add some great sounds to the mix, sometimes adding an almostexotica flavor. It's all quite accesible, but fans with delicate ears may be put off by some of the noisier moments on the album, like the keyboard (?) sound on "Stringbean" or the guitar solo on "Old Sugar Bear". Other fans will be delighted to hear such a glorious din on a Bill Frisell record again. After so much of a similar thing, it's just great to hear Frisell being pushed in a new direction (and quite a fun one, at that). Recommended. - Sean Westergaard, All Music Guide |
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Bill Frisell Biography
The defining characteristic of any given jazz musician is frequently his sound. The more control a player has over the nature of that sound, the more likely he is to project a distinctive musical personality. For example, a saxophonist has virtually ...Full Bill Frisell Biography
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-- ©2008 All Media Guide, LLC
Pros: Rich orchestration, rhythm, and layers
Cons: Life is too short to enjoy this and all the other great music out there!
I have listened to Bill Frisell and his collaborations in awe for years.
Therefore, as a fan I cannot be objective.
The musicians keep trying new ideas and return to old ideas. The music is playful and artistic and uptempo.
I guess that's Bill's jazz for you.
This is going to sound like great jazz to people.
Bill Frisell's CDs consistently please. On Unspeakable the rich orchestration, rhythm, and layers stick out and the band's affectations are welcomed by the ears.
I better shut up now.
When is Bill going to visit Fargo, North Dakota? ...