Collaboration can inspire artists to new levels of creative exploration and development. Such was the case with Bill Frisell’s latest leader recording, Bill Frisell, Ron Carter, Paul Motian, as Frisell collaborated with two of his musical heroes.
“To hear Paul and Ron [Carter, pictured] play together was a dream come true for me. I knew they had worked together a little bit in the ’60s and was sure they would reconnect in a big way. During the sessions I was so mesmerized listening to them-most of the time I wasn’t even aware that I was playing too! I wanted the album to be live, all of us playing in a room. It was recorded quickly-with no rehearsal,” recalls Frisell in a press release.
The album, produced by Lee Townsend, culls original compositions from Frisell, Carter and Motian, as well songs by Thelonious Monk, Hank Williams and others. The outcome is atmospheric and free-flowing. Frisell wanted the album to have a live feel.
Frisell was clearly excited about his new collaboration with legendary bassist Carter. “He’s been so supportive of my music and me. I wrote a tune for him, ‘Ron Carter’ on my Blues Dream album,” Frisell said about Carter. As for Motian, “Paul Motian is my musical father. There’s no way to put into just a few words the impact he has had on me. He helped me find my musical voice.”
The album is available from Nonesuch Records Sept. 12.
Originally Published