Customer Reviews

ECM Touchstones: Lookout For Hope

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Bill Frisell, for those who don't know, is a guitarist whose music is hard to pin down or categorize. One minute he's playing jazz, then the next he's playing country. You will find his music in your local music store's jazz section and if they don't know who Bill Frisell is, then I don't know if that person deserves to be working in a music store, because Mr. Frisell is one of the most original guitarist of the past 20 years. He got his start playing on ECM records in the mid to late 70s and has since then had a rollercoaster ride of a musical career. Not that this is going to mean anything, but he won a Grammy this year for the album "Unspeakable." His first Grammy award (it's about time the masses and the music buying public take notice). He is a graduate of the University of Colorado and of Berklee College of Music. He even studied with Jim Hall for a little while in the mid-70s. Anyway, Bill Frisell is very unique and NOBODY will ever sound or play like him.

"Lookout For Hope" is one of my favorite Bill Frisell albums. Many of the songs like the title song have alot of dissonance in them, but its the way he uses this dissonance that makes it an enjoyable song to listen to. On this album, he has really found a way of taking a musical phrase that is dissonant and turning it into something accessible. The more I talk about this album, the more I give away all of the naunces that one who appreciates good music will find in this. You're just going to have to pick up this album and soak in the sonic tapestry that Bill and Co. weave.

Musicians-

Bill Frisell - electric and acoustic guitar, loops
Kermit Driscoll - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Hank Roberts - cello

I am listening to this right now on my mp3 player and it has graced my stereo at home for some weeks since I bought it in its new incarnation with cardboard sleeve. I don't think I can add much to what has been written in the past about Mr Frisell but I can say that of his albumns I have heard, this is currently my favourite. I really only started to take a serious interest from "Gone / Train" onwards although I was introduced to him years before. This is an ecouraging start to exploring his back catalogue! When I first put it on, I was scared that this was another bombastic jazz-rock fusion recording from the 70s/80s. However the title track is actually quite melodious despite the noise and overall the music does what music should, communicate and with Mr Frisell's inimitable style and taste. In fact I think the raw energy of this albumn has much to offer that his later recordings have to some extent refined away. There is also plenty of variety to keep you interested. Perhaps more so than in some other albums. Well worth your attention!