Quartet cover

Quartet

Bill Frisell · 1996

61 min · 13 tracks · post-bop · progressive jazz

A sonic exploration where intricate guitar melodies intertwine with spacious, atmospheric jazz textures.

Why this album works

'Quartet' received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise from outlets like 'The New York Times' for its innovative approach to jazz. The album further solidified Frisell's influence on the post-bop and avant-garde jazz scenes, contributing to his reputation as a boundary-pushing guitarist and composer. Its unique blend of styles continues to inspire contemporary musicians across genres.
Best for
dynamic exploration of intricate melodies wave-like pacing with peaks atmospheric sound for reflective moments
Context
Released in 1996, 'Quartet' was Bill Frisell's sixth studio album and followed his critically acclaimed work 'Gone, Just Like a Train'. At this point in his career, Frisell was establishing himself as a leading voice in progressive jazz, blending elements of folk and rock into his sound. This album marked a significant step in his evolution as an artist, showcasing his ability to create rich narratives through instrumental music.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tales From the Far Side Standout 6:27
  • 2 Twenty Years Standout 2:55
  • 3 Stand Up, Sit Down 5:37
  • 4 Convict 13 5:36
  • 5 In Deep 3:10
  • 6 Egg Radio 4:31
  • 7 The Bacon Bunch 4:26
  • 8 Prelude 1:36
  • 9 Bob’s Monsters Standout 8:44
  • 10 The Gallows 6:14
  • 11 What? 3:26
  • 12 Dead Ranch 4:27
  • 13 Coffaro’s Theme 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata