The Intercontinentals
Bill Frisell · 2003
70 min · 14 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of global rhythms and melodies interwoven through jazz improvisation and lyrical guitar storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Boubacar Start here — This track opens the album with an alluring melody that sets the tone for the cross-cultural exploration throughout the record. Its intricate guitar lines evoke a sense of journey and connection.
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Good Old People — This piece highlights Frisell's ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary soundscapes, featuring a warm, reflective vibe that resonates deeply with listeners.
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We Are Everywhere — 'We Are Everywhere' encapsulates the album's ethos of unity and diversity through its rich layering of sounds and collaborative spirit among musicians.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends diverse global influences with jazz improvisation, showcasing Frisell's unique guitar storytelling.
What we noticed
- Frisell's guitar work often employs a narrative style, using melodic lines that weave in and out of the ensemble rather than dominating it.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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 journey with emotional peaks
- vibrant textures for headphone listening
- exploratory soundscapes for curious minds
- meditative moments for quiet reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song formats
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Explores global rhythms, marking a departure from traditional jazz elements.
- Themes
- global rhythms· cultural fusion· musical journey
- Career context
- In 2003, Bill Frisell was navigating a prolific phase in his career, following the acclaimed album 'The Willies' from 2002. 'The Intercontinentals' marked Frisell's deep exploration of world music influences, showcasing his commitment to blending jazz with diverse cultural sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· John Abercrombie· Julian Lage
Tracklist
- 1 Boubacar Start here 6:13
- 2 Good Old People 5:26
- 3 For Christos 6:17
- 4 Baba Drame 5:20
- 5 Listen 6:47
- 6 Anywhere Road 1:52
- 7 Procissão 6:49
- 8 The Young Monk 2:23
- 9 We Are Everywhere 7:09
- 10 Yála 5:49
- 11 Perritos 4:34
- 12 Magic 5:55
- 13 Eli 4:15
- 14 Remember 1:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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