Big Sur

I typically love all of Bill's stuff, including albums that are less popular. I'm not really digging this one, though. And it's not so much any issue with Bill's playing, and I pretty much like the drums, too. There's no bass player for any of these tracks (TTBOMK), which kind of leaves 'holes' in the sound, for some songs (the bass drum can be a little overwhelming, because it's the only thing making sound at those frequencies). For numbers with very light or no percussion, it's not an issue.The album that I kind of reference, for right or wrong, is The Intercontinentals, for something kind of similar. I like that album a lot more though. The only bass on that album was done by Bill, so it's not on every track. But I don't hear 'holes' in the sound in the same way.This probably isn't very helpful, and many die-hard B.F. fans could very well love this album.

Guitarist Bill Frisell never ceases to surprise. He has a great way of discovering a thread when visiting a place, such as Nashville or the northern California coast, and writing about it, using that thread throughout the album. Here, he draws classical musicians into the mix, so the listener gets a range of sounds. The music was memorable and impressive -- enough for a solid four stars -- but I tend to save the five-star ratings for the truly extraordinary. This album was a little too laidback and drawn out for that rating. But definitely worth adding to the Frisell section on the CD shelf.

You can never be sure what your going to get from one Frisell release to the next. This time out he's back in the Americana vein, and if you like his other Americana releases in the past, you're bound to enjoy this one as well. There isn't much emphasis on individual solos like you can hear on some of his more jazz inspired releases, but rather the band moving from one place to another as a unit. It's beautiful and compelling music, as good as anything Frisell has ever done.

Bill Frisell at it again

As the title suggests, this album is a musical tribute to that most stunning part of the California coast. Located two hours south of San Francisco, Big Sur is a fabled place of natural beauty and bohemian inspiration. Before Bill Frisell, the area attracted writers like Hunter S. Thompson, Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac. In the same vein, all of the music on this album was written at the Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur. With titles like 'Highway 1,' 'Hawks,' and 'A Beautiful View,' the songs sonically describe the place. Musically, the band plays Americana rock that is infused with Frisell's signature blend of jazz and chamber aesthetics. 'The Big One' even employs surf music. Songs like 'Sing Together Like a Family' and 'We All Love Neil Young' express a tender sense of nostalgia. On "Big Sur," the mood is generally light. Indeed, it's been a long time since Frisell has done anything so upbeat. The Big Sur Quintet is filled with long-time Frisell veterans including Jenny Scheinman (violin), Eyvind Kang (viola), Hank Roberts (cello) and Rudy Royston (drums). Comparatively, this group's musical vision is most similar to sounds found on albums like "All We Are Saying...," "Floratone II," and "Disfarmer." Thus "Big Sur" sits comfortably among Bill Frisell's more accessible projects. Highlights include 'The Music of Glen Deven Ranch,' 'The Big One,' and 'Going to California' which is actually not the Led Zeppelin tune. Filled with originality and nuance, the cerebral performance is strong. Bill Frisell has been working on this incarnation of his sound for some time. For the artist, "Big Sur" may be the most magnificent expression of this beloved time period. With Frisell as your tour guide, take a drive on Highway 1. Let Bill Frisell guide you through one of the country's most scenic areas with an equally sublime soundtrack.

Bill Frisell just stuns me. I wasn't certain that I was going to love this - meaning: ALL of this project. But, as always, I Love it! He has such supreme, quirky & consistent style. He always chooses superb band mates that share these characteristics. This project just says: America - not just California - the Bill Frisell way. Love him!

Is a marsterwork of this music call Americana, a combination of country, folk, popular music and contemporary music. Frisell is one of the most influential guitarist of the last tree decades in jazz and in others musics. "Big Sur" is his best work in this Americana line. Is beautiful, full of nostalgia and incredible simple to hear.His albums more influent , until now, probable are "Have a little faith" (1993) and "Nashville"(1997) and from now this album. He create with this three records a new way to understand jazz music, flock music and country. But the influence of classic american music is hear more evident than never. From Neil Young to Aaron Copland, "Big Sur" is a magic travel full of ideas and sounds. Is a special Quartet for a special occasion. Eyvind Kang on viola, Hanks Roberts on cello, Jenny Scheinman on violin and Ruddy Royston on drums. The production of Lee Townsend is perfect. "Big Sur" is great music, great Americana music. If you like this Frisell side, you must buy now. If you did'nt please try to hear it. Is another way to feel the music. Another masterwork from Frisell. A " classic" from the first moment.

On another review I explain that I am a big fan of Bill Frisell, but I have to admit that this is the one I like the least, even though I like it, it is an acquired taste.