Bill Frisell Quartet CD

Much of the music on QUARTET was originally composed by Frisell for various film and television scores.

This album offers music that was, for the most part, originally written for film. The compositions have been rearranged for an unusually voiced quartet that finds Frisell's guitar joined by trumpeter Ron Miles, trombonist Curtis Fowlkes and violinist/tuba player (has anyone ever doubled on those two before?) Eyvind Kang. Nearly half of the selections originate in Frisell's score for Gary Larson's animated television special, TALES FROM THE FAR SIDE. Other sources include Frisell's music for Buster Keaton's CONVICT 13 and for the Italian film LA SCUOLA.

That such diverse projects work so well together is testament both to the character of Frisell's writing and to the choices he made in assembling this arresting ensemble. There are moments of great beauty, absurd humor, lurking menace and high drama here. Just like in a movie.

Recorded at Mobius Music, San Francisco, California.

Personnel: Bill Frisell (acoustic & electric guitars); Ron Miles (trumpet, piccolo trumpet); Curtis Fowlkes (trombone); Eyvind Kang (tuba, violin).

Personnel: Bill Frisell (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Eyvind Kang (violin, tuba); Ron Miles (piccolo, trumpet); Curtis Fowlkes (trombone).

Recording information: Möbius Music, San Francisco, CA.Down Beat (8/96, p.55) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...(Con)fusing genres and styles, it's somehow quirky and sinister at the same time....Utility infielder Kang nails ultrahigh notes....Fowlkes and Miles are both perfect accomplices, too....Here's hoping this foursome makes much more music soon..."
JazzTimes (8/96, p.89) - "...The music is largely quirky by radioplay standards, often engaging and never cliche....This is all stricly through-composed stuff....this Frisell project...is more about setting moods and telling stories than exchanging hot licks....More provocative fare..."