Have a Little Faith
Bill Frisell · 1992
60 min · 18 tracks · jazz
A genre-defying mix of jazz, folk, and Americana that weaves intricate narratives through evocative instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Billy the Kid: The Open Prairie Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Live to Tell — This track exemplifies Frisell's unique ability to reinterpret familiar melodies while infusing them with a soulful resonance that captivates listeners.
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Have a Little Faith in Me — Frisell's rendition transforms this ballad into a reflective journey, highlighting his skillful guitar work and emotional depth.
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Just Like a Woman — This cover showcases Frisell's distinctive style, merging lyrical guitar phrases with an understated yet powerful arrangement that breathes new life into the classic song.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalFrisell's innovative fusion of genres and narrative-driven compositions create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate thematic motifs from 'Billy the Kid', with variations in instrumentation that shift the mood throughout.
- The use of space and silence is prominent, allowing for moments of reflection between more complex passages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 emotional ebb and flow
- intimate guitar work for reflection
- dynamic journey with interludes
- narrative-inspired listening experience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone single hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established Frisell's reputation in contemporary jazz and reached No. 1 on charts.
- Themes
- American folk narratives· reflective guitar journeys· melodic reinterpretation
- Career context
- In 1992, Bill Frisell was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz with 'Have a Little Faith', his fifth studio album. This release followed the critically acclaimed 'Is That You?' and showcased Frisell's growing embrace of eclectic influences, blending elements of jazz with Americana and pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· John Abercrombie· Julian Lage
Tracklist
- 1 Billy the Kid: The Open Prairie Start here 3:12
- 2 Billy the Kid: Street Scene in a Frontier Town 1:45
- 3 Billy the Kid: Mexican Dance and Finale 3:44
- 4 Billy the Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game at Night) / Gun Battle 5:02
- 5 Billy the Kid: Celebration After Billy’s Capture 2:17
- 6 Billy the Kid: Billy in Prison 1:33
- 7 Billy the Kid: The Open Prairie Again 2:34
- 8 The “Saint-Gaudens” in Boston Common (excerpt #1) 0:42
- 9 Just Like a Woman 4:49
- 10 I Can’t Be Satisfied 3:01
- 11 Live to Tell 10:09
- 12 The “Saint-Gaudens” in Boston Common (excerpt #2) 3:05
- 13 No Moe 2:37
- 14 Washington Post March 2:05
- 15 When I Fall in Love 3:26
- 16 Little Jenny Dow 3:30
- 17 Have a Little Faith in Me 5:42
- 18 Billy Boy 1:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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