Jazz breaking news: Bill Frisell And The 858 Quartet Come Together For Sign of Life

Frisell has reassembled The 858 Quartet, originally conceived as a response to paintings by artist Gerhard Richter, to produce their first recording together for over five years.

Produced by Lee Townsend and recorded in Berkeley, California (Fantasy Studios) towards the end of last year, this album’s 17 tracks were written and recorded in the space of two months. They feature Frisell on guitar, Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola and Hank Roberts on cello. Frisell spent time composing the material at an artists’ retreat in Vermont, which no doubt produced a sense of calm and relaxation, some of which is reflected in the music while Frisell also ensures that his characteristic textural and rhythmic guitar playing comes through. The collaborative nature of the music is typical of this group, who work seamlessly together to produce a tight yet improvisational sound.

Frisell’s contribution to American music has made him famous as an artist who identifies with varied genres, from jazz and blues to progressive folk and rock. He has certainly made a profound impression on the music scene over the years, working with the likes of Elvis Costello, John Scofield and Julius Hemphill. The wide range of his performance and recording ventures indicates the versatility that makes him such a sought-after guitarist, and the adventurous and innovative nature of his playing has often been linked to Miles Davis.

Bill Frisell and The 858 Quartet are set to appear at this year’s London Jazz Festival. They will perform at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, and the date for your diaries is Sunday 20 November.

– Louise Jones