On February 20, 2020, the Blue Note in New York hosted a remarkable performance featuring guitarist Bill Frisell and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. This collaboration was particularly significant as it marked one of the early live renditions of material from Frisell's latest album, Harmony, released in October 2019. The album, produced by Frisell's longtime collaborator Lee Townsend, was recorded at Flora Recording and Playback studio in Portland, Oregon, and showcased Frisell's evolving musical explorations. (en.wikipedia.org)
Akinmusire, who had been a prominent figure in the jazz scene, was preparing for the release of his fifth studio album, On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment, slated for June 2020. This album continued his tradition of blending deep emotional expression with complex musical structures, reflecting his ongoing artistic evolution. (en.wikipedia.org)
The pairing of Frisell and Akinmusire was particularly noteworthy due to their shared history of innovative collaborations. Their musical relationship had been previously highlighted in projects like Origami Harvest (2018), where Akinmusire's trumpet work was complemented by Frisell's distinctive guitar stylings. (jazztimes.com) This performance at the Blue Note provided a unique opportunity to experience the synergy between these two artists as they explored new musical territories together.
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