Bill Frisell: Beautiful Dreamers in July

Without a doubt, guitarist Bill Frisell is a true American treasure, having a hand in directing musical innovations since the early eighties, he’s not one you can easily pin down, moving from light and calm, guitar-laden landscapes to jazz and pop-inspired retro-rock. Never one to rest on his laurel’s, Grammy Award winning Bill Frisell will be releasing his new CD, Beautiful Dreamers, this August featuring two collaborators you might not expect for this jazz-fusion-rocker… Eyving Kang and Rudy Royston. Not that these two aren’t a good match for Bill, but that it’s an arrangement not common… guitar with viola and drums, an arrangement that, in my opinion, leaves plenty of space for creative movement, dynamically and harmonically.

The only thing to expect is the unexpected. Eyvind, who has a reputation for a genre-busting musical style, has the unique position to be able to work the bass register and the range to accompany Bill with the harmonies, and combined with Rudy as the time-keeper, this trio will explore and challenge traditional roles, all while taking the listeners on a journey only these three could conceive.

Those familiar with Bill’s recordings will recognize the Producer… Longtime collaborator and manager, Lee Townsend. Townsend created an atmosphere in the studio for these three to explore just what it is they wanted to do, which along with some original songs, explores the music of Blind Willie Johnson, Benny Goodman and many others.

Bill Frisell had this to say about this project, “For a long time I’d had the dream of making a trio with Eyvind Kang and Rudy Royston. We’ve known each other for years and worked together in many situations. The idea came about as a result of the power and strength of the connection that happens when we play music together. It wasn’t about the instruments, it was about the people. We played our first gig on June 7, 2008 in Eugene, Oregon and from the first note, it was working. Each time we get together the music feels new…..and old. Backwards and forwards. Up and down. Anything is possible. I can’t wait to hear what happens next. Of course, the next thing on my mind was wishing, hoping we could make an album together of new music.”

Now you can get a glimpse of what the CD will contain before it hits the shelves. Bill brings the rest of the trio on a handful of dates across the country, giving fans a chance to catch this legendary artist in his element. Even better, the Dakota’s stage provides for a very intimate connection with the musicians and their music.

“Bill joining the legendary Savoy Jazz roster is a tremendous vote of confidence for the team here. I can’t think of many musicians who have had the impact on their instrument and music in general that Bill has and we’re honored to be a partner with him for many, many exciting new projects.” – Steve Vining (President of Savoy Jazz)

Catch them at one of the four sets they’ll perform, July 12-13.

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