With Dave Holland and Elvin Jones cover

With Dave Holland and Elvin Jones

Bill Frisell · 2001

66 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz improvisation weaving intricate melodies with a deep rhythmic pulse.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Outlaws Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and intricate interplay between guitar and rhythm section, showcasing Frisell's distinctive sound right from the start.
  • →
    Moon River — Frisell's rendition transforms this classic into a reflective piece that highlights his emotive playing style and innovative harmonics, making it a standout interpretation.
  • →
    Blues Dream — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its lyrical guitar lines and dynamic tempo shifts, illustrating Frisell's ability to evoke deep emotions through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate melodies with improvisation, showcasing strong musicianship and a distinctive sound.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases intricate guitar melodies that are often complemented by the bass and drums, creating a layered sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes in depth before returning to the main melody.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 journey with peaks
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • engaging guitar interplay
  • reflective moments of calm
  • late-night listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases Frisell's innovative fusion of jazz styles, marking a significant artistic moment.
Themes
jazz improvisation· reflective melodies· dynamic rhythm interplay
Career context
Upon the release of 'With Dave Holland and Elvin Jones', Bill Frisell was solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing guitarist after his previous acclaimed album 'Gone, Just Like a Train'. This collaboration with legendary bassist Holland and drummer Jones marked a pivotal moment in Frisell's career, showcasing his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with his unique style.
Stylistic neighbors
Pat Metheny· John Abercrombie· Julian Lage

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Again

    The bridge introduces a sudden shift in tempo and mood, creating an unexpected contrast that draws in listeners.

    This change enhances the narrative flow of the piece, demonstrating Frisell's mastery over dynamics and pacing within a jazz context.

Tracklist

  • 1 Outlaws Start here 7:55
  • 2 Twenty Years 3:15
  • 3 Coffaro's Theme 4:51
  • 4 Blues Dream 4:48
  • 5 Moon River 6:26
  • 6 Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa 9:07
  • 7 Strange Meeting 5:26
  • 8 Convict 13 3:56
  • 9 Again 7:33
  • 10 Hard Times 3:41
  • 11 Justice and Honor 4:49
  • 12 Smilin' Jones 5:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata