Bill Frisell Releases Expansive Double Album, Orchestras

As he’s often done over the past four decades, Frisell uses a straightforward concept and a familiar songbook to bring about stirring revelations.

Above photo by Olivier Lestoquoit

In the trio format he’s favored throughout his career, the guitarist and composer Bill Frisell has always projected an orchestral scope through his remarkably complete sense of harmony, a unique gift for melodies that remain with you long after a performance, and a keen feel for how dynamic range can be used to convey emotion. But on his new double album Orchestras, out today on Blue Note Records, he makes those symphonic evocations a reality.

Produced by Lee Townsend, Orchestras documents two inspired concert hall engagements arranged by Michael Gibbsfor Frisell’s trio with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston: LP1 featuring the nearly 60-piece Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Alexander Hanson; and LP2 with the 11-piece Umbria Jazz Orchestra, under the musical direction of Manuele Morbidini. A limited edition Blue Note Store exclusive 3-LP set including a third album of additional material from the concerts is also available today along with standard 2-LP, 2-CD, and digital sets.

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