Disfarmer
Bill Frisell · 2009
71 min · 26 tracks · jazz
A reflective tapestry of sparse melodies and rich textures that blend jazz improvisation with Americana storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Disfarmer Theme Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its haunting melody, encapsulating the essence of the rural landscapes that inspired the project.
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Little Girl — This track features a delicate interplay between guitar and subtle background elements, evoking a sense of nostalgia that complements the album's overarching themes.
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I Am Not a Farmer — The juxtaposition of playful rhythms and introspective melodies in this track reflects Frisell's ability to blend humor and depth, drawing listeners deeper into the narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalFrisell's blend of jazz and Americana creates a unique soundscape, though its impact is more niche within the genre.
What we noticed
- Each piece often begins with a sparse melody that gradually builds in texture, layering guitar with subtle accompaniment.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings or ambient sounds, enhancing the Americana theme and grounding the music in a specific place.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing encourages reflection
- evocative soundscapes for solitude
- interludes that invite pause
- explorative listening for deep focus
- haunting ambiance for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The album showcases Frisell's innovative sound and concept, reflecting a high artistic ambition.
- Themes
- rural landscapes· nostalgic storytelling· American folk imagery
- Career context
- When 'Disfarmer' was released in 2009, Bill Frisell was already an established figure in the jazz world, known for his innovative guitar work. This album followed his acclaimed 2005 release 'East/West' and showcased a continued exploration of narrative through music, emphasizing a more thematic approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· John Abercrombie· Julian Lage
Tracklist
- 1 Disfarmer Theme Start here 5:38
- 2 Lonely Man 1:16
- 3 Lost, Night 1:50
- 4 Farmer 1:03
- 5 Focus 2:27
- 6 Peter Miller’s Discovery 4:43
- 7 That’s Alright, Mama 3:10
- 8 Little Girl 3:43
- 9 Little Boy 1:16
- 10 No One Gets In 2:47
- 11 Lovesick Blues 2:49
- 12 I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You) 3:50
- 13 Shutter, Dream 4:27
- 14 Exposed 2:13
- 15 The Wizard 1:52
- 16 Think 4:38
- 17 Drink 4:30
- 18 Play 1:33
- 19 I Am Not a Farmer 3:37
- 20 Small Town 1:01
- 21 Arkansas, Part 1 1:53
- 22 Arkansas, Part 2 2:20
- 23 Arkansas, Part 3 1:54
- 24 Lost Again, Dark 2:06
- 25 Natural Light 3:00
- 26 Did You See Him? 2:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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