Guitarist Bill Frisell has released many records under his own name since his debut Rambler (1984). In doing so, he explored all kinds of different styles and forms, from avant-garde jazz to americana and from intimate small ensembles to mini-big bands. For the double CD History, Mystery he put together an ensemble, consisting of his more or less permanent quintet including cornet player Ron Miles
… and drummer Kenny Wollesen, supplemented by three strings. This octet brings a mixture of bop, Delta and Mali blues, 60's soul, urban groove and muddy rock in a ninety-minute suite. Most of the thirty (!) Pieces are by Frisell himself and come from the suites Mysterio Sympatico, a multimedia project with cartoon artist Jim Wording from 2002, and Stories From The Heart Of The Land. Other Composers on History, Mystery include Lee Akoniet, Mok, Sam Cooke and, notably, Balinese guitarist Boubacar Traore. History, Mystery has many different atmospheres, from playful to plaintive and from disturbing to calming and is especially a treat for ears that enjoy a lot of string work. (HB)more
