What does Quartet sound like?

A rich tapestry of eclectic influences, blending jazz improvisation with Americana and cinematic soundscapes. Rooted in post-bop and progressive jazz. Start with "Tales From the Far Side".

Is Quartet a good place to start with Bill Frisell?

Yes, Quartet is recommended as a starting point for new Bill Frisell listeners. A rich tapestry of eclectic influences, blending jazz improvisation with Americana and cinematic soundscapes. Released in 1996, Quartet marked a significant moment in Bill Frisell's career as it followed his acclaimed album, Gone, Just Like a Train. This record exemplified his growing reputation as a boundary-pushing guitarist and composer within the progressive jazz scene, showcasing his unique blend of styles.

Quartet works well if you're into dynamic exploration of intricate melodies, wave-like pacing with peaks and atmospheric sound for reflective moments.

How many songs are on Quartet?

Quartet has 13 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Quartet

Bill Frisell · 1996

61 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of eclectic influences, blending jazz improvisation with Americana and cinematic soundscapes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Tales From the Far Side Start here — This opening track sets a whimsical tone with its playful melodies and intricate layering, encapsulating the album's adventurous spirit.
→
Twenty Years — A poignant piece that showcases Frisell's ability to evoke emotion through minimalist guitar lines and subtle harmonic shifts.
→
In Deep — This track features an engaging dialogue between instruments, highlighting Frisell's knack for creating vivid narratives within his compositions.
→
Bob’s Monsters — A standout for its complex rhythms and unexpected transitions, this piece illustrates Frisell's talent for merging genres while maintaining cohesion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Frisell's blend of jazz with Americana creates a unique sound, though some tracks feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

The use of space is prominent, with extended pauses and quiet sections that allow the listener to absorb the soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

dynamic exploration of intricate melodies
wave-like pacing with peaks
atmospheric sound for reflective moments
engaging background for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Frisell's reputation in jazz, following acclaimed works and receiving critical acclaim.
Themes: cinematic soundscapes· whimsical melodies· Americana influences
Career context: Released in 1996, Quartet marked a significant moment in Bill Frisell's career as it followed his acclaimed album, Gone, Just Like a Train. This record exemplified his growing reputation as a boundary-pushing guitarist and composer within the progressive jazz scene, showcasing his unique blend of styles.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· John Abercrombie· Julian Lage