Bill Frisell - Before We Were Born

Bill Frisell has been one of the most unique jazz-based guitarists of the 1980s and '90s, a very eclectic player who can switch styles and sounds on a moment's notice, yet is always quite distinctive. On this atmospheric and picturesque set, Frisell uses his regular quartet of the time (cellist Hank Roberts, bassist Kermit Driscoll and drummer Joey Baron) on some selections, but also interacts with fellow guitarist Arto Lindsay, keyboardist Peter Scherer and, on "Some Song and Dance," baritonist Doug Wieselman and both Julius Hemphill and Billy Drewes on altos. A special highlight is the episodic "Hard Plains Drifter," which has this as a subtitle: "As I take my last breath and the noose grows tight, the incredible events of the past three days flash before my eyes." A very intriguing and colorful set of eccentric music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Name Credits Arto Lindsay Guitar (Electric), Arranger, Vocals, Producer Bill Frisell Arranger, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Acoustic), Banjo Billy Drewes Sax (Alto) Cyro Baptista Shaker Doug Wieselman Sax (Baritone) Gary Salomon Assistant Engineer Greg Calbi Mastering Hank Roberts Cello, Vocals James Farber Engineer Jason Baker Assistant Engineer Joey Baron Drums, Percussion, Electronics John Zorn Producer, Arranger Julius Hemphill Sax (Alto) Kermit Driscoll Bass (Electric) Laura Levine Photography Lee Townsend Producer Mike McMackin Assistant Engineer Oz Fritz Assistant Engineer Patrick Dillett Assistant Engineer Paul Angelli Assistant Engineer Peter Scherer Keyboard Bass, Arranger, Programming, Keyboards, Producer, Drum Programming Robert Hurwitz Executive Producer Roger Moutenot Engineer, Mixing