Orchestras

Description

The new double album 'Orchestras' by guitarist Bill Frisell documents two inspired engagements in a concert hall arranged by Michael Gibbs for Frisell's long-time trio with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston: one with the Brussels Philharmonic of nearly 60 musicians, conducted by Alexander Hanson; and one with the Umbria Jazz Orchestra, consisting of 11 musicians, under the musical direction of Manuele Morbidini.
But as with much of Frisell's music over the past four decades, a relatively simple concept and a collection of familiar songs give rise to gently moving revelations. The music presents a level of comfort and interactivity that far transcends the vast majority of "with strings" projects on jazz record shelves. A radical orchestration evoking landmark film music and Gil Evans moves nimbly in and around the telepathic rapport of the trio, and Frisell's shimmering tone beautifully blends with the symphonic strings and brass.