Release Date: 12 April 2019
Label: ECM
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 602557701562
Genres: Jazz  Contemporary  
Release Date: 12 April 2019
Label: ECM
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 602557701562
Genres: Jazz  Contemporary  
Description
Like their acclaimed ECM release Small Town of 2017 - which The Guardian called "wistful and mesmerizing, tonally ingenious and haunting" - Epistrophy by guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan was recorded at New York City's Village Vanguard.
The new album once again captures the rare empathy these two players achieve together in this intimate environment. There are further poetic takes on pieces from the duo's Americana songbook ("All In Fun", "Red River Valley", "Save The Last Dance For Me"), as well as another intense version of a composition by Paul Motian ("Mumbo Jumbo"), an artist whom both the guitarist and bassist knew well.
Frisell and Morgan communicate the essence of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" and the Frank Sinatra hit "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning", so much so, that the famous words seem to hang in the air even without a singer. At the centre of the album is a pair of pieces by Thelonious Monk: the funky, angular "Epistrophy" and the ruminative ballad "Pannonica". And as with "Goldfinger" on Small Town, Frisell and Morgan offer a glowing duo interpretation of a melody-rich John Barry title tune from a James Bond film - "You Only Live Twice!".
The album is released on CD and 180g vinyl. Personnel: Bill Frisell (guitar), Thomas Morgan (double bass)
Tracklisting
Norma Winstone & Kit Downes
Oded Tzur
Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Dave Holland & Bill Frisell
Fred Hersch
John Taylor, Norma Winstone & Kenny Wheeler
Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek
Jan Garbarek Quartet
John Surman
Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan