On August 10, 2022, Bill Frisell graced the Village Vanguard with a performance that was both intimate and exploratory. This engagement featured Frisell alongside Greg Tardy on tenor saxophone and clarinet, and Johnathan Blake on drums—a trio that would soon record the album Four, released on November 11, 2022. The set was a precursor to the album's release, offering a live preview of the compositions that delve into themes of loss, renewal, and friendship. Notably, the performance included "Waltz for Hal Willner," a heartfelt tribute to Frisell's late friend, producer Hal Willner. The trio's synergy was evident, with Tardy's expressive reeds and Blake's dynamic rhythms complementing Frisell's distinctive guitar work, creating a memorable evening that highlighted the evolving collaboration among these artists.
