Bill Frisell - Blues Dream

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Music reviews of Blues Dream

Music Review: Another great one from Bill
Rating: 5 Stars

As many reviewers in the past have pointed out, Frisell is one of those composers/arrangers/musicians who can blend styles with the deftest of hands, and "Blues Dream" serves as a terrific showcase for Frisell's method (now that I'm playing the role of critic, by the way, I'm referring to Bill Frisell as Frisell, as I'm attempting to portray myself as objective, which I'm not). Those unfamiliar with Frisell's work will find a rich soup of styles, as the album boils with country and bluegrass, blues, rock, and occasionally, a lick or two of straight jazz (though not too much). Those familiar with Frisell will find Frisell continuing in the vein of his mid- to late-nineties albums, but perhaps tempered by a more sullen, low-key feel than he's expressed in the past, which may prompt the question, "Does Frisell play the blues on this album?" I'd say, "not really," as only a few tunes are actually in blues form; however, as the title suggests, there is a dreamlike feel that justifies the title. As objects and places and people in one's dreams are never quite right, neither is the blues ever really properly addressed on this album--which is OK, because the album is not named "Straight Steel Blues from a Straight Steel Man," (I think that was Kenny Wayne Shepherd's last recording).

In closing, I'd consider "Blues Dream" to be an essential Frisell recording, as well as a fine introduction to his overall body of music. All the elements are there--the loopy guitar lines, the unique and memorable compositions, and the tasteful arrangements. Mmm... finger-pluckin' good.

Description of Blues Dream

Jazz CDs

• Music > Styles
• Miscellaneous
• Pop