Album Review: Bill Frisell — Guitar in the Space Age!
Bill Frisell – Guitar in the Space Age!
Here’s some free advice: don’t get into a discussion with a hardcore fan if you’re underwhelmed by their hero’s latest album. I made that mistake. Though the guitarist is widely revered for his work in countless styles, here he traffics in what I would have to call “easy listening.” Frisell covers songs that have influenced him, and while he does so in note-perfect fashion, his arrangements are…inoffensive. Frisell’s playing can be mightily exciting when he wishes it to be; on this outing, that goal seems to have been far from his mind. Excellent for what it is, yet somewhat dull.
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.