Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 18, 1951 in Baltimore, MD

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Film

 

Bill Frisell is a renowned American guitarist, composer, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and contemporary music. Born on March 18, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, Frisell grew up in Denver, Colorado, where he began playing guitar at the age of 13. He was initially drawn to rock and roll music, but soon discovered jazz and began studying the works of jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and John Coltrane. Frisell attended the University of Northern Colorado, where he studied music education and played in various local bands. After graduating in 1975, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He quickly became a sought-after session musician, playing on recordings by artists such as John Zorn, Jan Garbarek, and Paul Motian. In 1982, Frisell released his debut album, "In Line," on the ECM label. The album showcased his unique blend of jazz, rock, and country music, and established him as a rising star in the jazz world. Over the next few years, Frisell released several more albums, including "Rambler" (1985) and "Lookout for Hope" (1988), which further cemented his reputation as a versatile and innovative guitarist. In the 1990s, Frisell began to explore new musical territories, incorporating elements of folk, blues, and world music into his compositions. He formed a trio with bassist Kermit Driscoll and drummer Joey Baron, and released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Have a Little Faith" (1992) and "This Land" (1994). He also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including saxophonist Joe Lovano, singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and composer John Adams. One of Frisell's most notable collaborations was with filmmaker Bill Morrison on the 2002 documentary "Decasia." Frisell composed the score for the film, which was made up of decaying footage from early silent films. The haunting and atmospheric music perfectly complemented the eerie visuals, and the score earned Frisell a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. Frisell has also received numerous other awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been named Guitarist of the Year by DownBeat magazine multiple times, and has won several Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Jazz Album for "Unspeakable" (2005) and Best Instrumental Composition for "The Windup" (2018). In 2019, he was inducted into the National Guitar Museum Hall of Fame. Despite his many accomplishments, Frisell remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to tour and record prolifically, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of his generation. His music is characterized by its melodic beauty, harmonic complexity, and genre-defying eclecticism, and he has inspired countless musicians and fans around the world.

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