Album: Bill Frisell, History, Mystery, Nonesuch

They're standard components of any Frisell project, history and mystery. Here they're presented as a subject rather than as a given. It's a two-CD job, featuring an octet incorporating strings, horns and reeds alongside the familiar rhythm section of Kenny Wollesen and Tony Scherr.

Plus, much of the material arose from collaborations with Seattle artist Jim Woodring. Arty? You bet. This is the Bill Frisell who makes great soundtrack music; the one who rejoices in sieving the Hot Club de Paris out of Thelonious Monk. Essential for established Frisellistas. Not a bad place to develop the taste.