Solos – The Jazz Sessions – Bill Frisell

SOLOS: the jazz sessions is a 39 part television music profile/performance series. Each episode features complete musical pieces, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage with some of today’s most notable jazz artists. Shot in HDTV with multiple moving cameras and a medley of elegant, cinematic lighting designs, SOLOS: the jazz sessions showcases an exciting and dynamic variety of jazz styles – from the blues and boogie-woogie to bebop and beyond.

Composer Bill Frisell is one of the leading guitarists in jazz since the late ’80s. Frisell’s eclectic music touches on progressive folk, classical music, country music, noise and more. He is known for using an array of effects (delay, distortion, reverb, octave shifters, and volume pedals, to name a few) to create unique sounds from his instrument.

An up-close portrayal of Frisell, filmed by Daniel Berman at the Berkeley Church in Toronto. This rare solo session features an intimate look into his electric guitar and looping wizardry, and includes an exclusive interview with Frisell. On the taping of Solos Frisell comments, “It’s a weird thing playing solo. I live for the interaction with other musicians because when you put something out there, you get something in return, and you are able to build momentum. When you perform solo, it just goes out into space, and you have to come up with ideas right away to follow it up. I learned to allow silence when playing by myself. There’s really something special about one person sitting and playing guitar. I’m really happy with how this project turned out. Daniel created such an amazing atmosphere in which to play music.”

Tracks:

Keep Your Eyes Open • Throughout • Ron Carter • Boubacar • Shenandoah • WildWood Flower Variations