On March 23, 2018, Bill Frisell graced the Village Vanguard with a performance that underscored his deep connection to the venue and his musical evolution. This engagement was particularly significant, as it marked the first solo album release in 18 years for Frisell, titled Music IS, which had been released just a week prior on March 16, 2018. (sonymusic.ca) The album, recorded in August 2017 at Flora Recording & Playback in Portland, Oregon, showcases Frisell's unique approach to guitar, blending original compositions with innovative looping techniques. (en.wikipedia.org)
The performance featured Frisell alongside Thomas Morgan on bass, Eyvind Kang on viola, and Rudy Royston on drums. This lineup was notable for its rich textural interplay, combining Frisell's guitar with Morgan's deeply intuitive bass lines, Kang's resonant viola, and Royston's dynamic drumming. The ensemble's synergy was reminiscent of Frisell's earlier collaborations, such as the duo album Small Town with Morgan, recorded at the Village Vanguard in March 2016. (en.wikipedia.org)
The Village Vanguard, a venue synonymous with jazz history, provided an intimate setting that highlighted the quartet's cohesive sound. Frisell's choice to debut material from Music IS in this storied space was a testament to his enduring relationship with the Vanguard and its audience. The performance not only celebrated his latest work but also honored the rich tradition of jazz that the venue represents.
