Beautiful Dreamer: A Musical Portrait of Bill Frisell
Exploring the Life, Music, and Collaborations of Guitar Anti-Hero Bill Frisell
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In "Beautiful Dreamer," Irish journalist Philip Watson takes readers on an intimate journey into the life and music of guitar anti-hero Bill Frisell. With warmth and clarity, Watson paints a portrait of a musician who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of perfect music—an otherworldly blend of unimaginably beautiful sounds.
Frisell's story is one of constant searching and striving, of pushing the boundaries of what music can be. At the heart of his music lies a beguiling blend of styles—folksy melodies, subtle jazz improvisations, rock distortion, and avant-garde experimentation. Like guitarist Metheny, Frisell has always been a synthesist rather than a purist. He is more of a contemporary guitarist who has enriched his music with strands of jazz, folk, contemporary classical, and world music, rather than merely being a guitarist or a jazzman.
Bill Frisell at Garana Jazz Festival 2017. Photo by Richard Wayne
At the heart of "Beautiful Dreamer" is the exploration of Frisell's musical evolution. From his groundbreaking work as a guitarist to his innovative compositions, Frisell has constantly defied categorization, infusing elements of jazz, folk, country, blues, and world music into his unique sound. Through interviews with family, friends, and collaborators, Watson reveals the depth and complexity of Frisell's character, capturing his humor, tenderness, and obsessive nature. From his early years in Denver to his rise to prominence in the New York music scene, Frisell's journey is one marked by determination, stubbornness, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. Through Watson's insightful commentary and the voices of Frisell's peers, readers gain a deeper understanding of the guitarist's artistic vision and wide-reaching influence.
The book also delves into Frisell's collaborations with a diverse array of musicians, from jazz legends like Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, John Zorn to contemporary artists like Paul Simon and Rhiannon Giddens, to name but a few. Through these partnerships, Frisell has pushed the boundaries of genre and style, creating music that is at once innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Bill Frisell at Garana Jazz Festival 2017. Photo by Richard Wayne
The writer leaves no stone unturned as they traverse through every project and collaboration of significance. However, I do object to the omission of Frisell's collaborations with Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Sylvian. One of the standout solos, and a personal favorite of mine, is Frisell's contribution to the song "Heartbeat" from Sakamoto and Sylvian's album of the same title in the '90s. Additionally, Frisell played on Sylvian's album "Dead Bees on a Cake." While Frisell's list of guest appearances on other artists' records is extensive, these collaborations with leading avant-garde musicians deserve recognition.
But "Beautiful Dreamer" is more than just a biography—it's a celebration of American music and the transformative power of creativity. With vivid anecdotes and colorful storytelling, Watson brings to life the milestones and challenges of Frisell's career, offering inspiration to aspiring musicians and music lovers alike. Watson's writing is fluid and engaging, weaving together archival material, interviews, and personal anecdotes to create a vivid portrait of Frisell's life and music. His passion for his subject shines through on every page, making "Bill Frisell: A Musical Odyssey" a captivating read. To me, this is a prime example of how a biography should be written about anyone.