On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States, I’ve been reflecting on what some of the most patriotic music recorded is. I land on Ray Charles’ A Message from the People as the top choice. However, I’ve previously chosen that as a PPP back in 2024. So this year, I’m picking a record by one of the most quintessentially American guitarists ever: Bill Frisell! In 1994 he released one of my favorites in his length discography, This Land, and that is today’s pick!
In the early 90s Bill Frisell had a working trio of Kermit Driscoll on bass and Joey Baron on drums. When they played, its like their three brains melded into one super brain. They were always completely locked in. This Land features that trio but is expanded by a horn section including Billy Drewes (saxophone), Curtis Fowlkes (trombone) and Don Byron (clarinet).
One of the album’s many highlights is “Strange Meeting” a composition originally released by a different Frisell trio Power Tools. I can’t decide which one is better, but the version on This Land is hauntingly beautiful.
“Strange Meeting” is such a shape shifting song that works in almost any context. Here’s Bill Frisell performing it solo segueing into “Over The Rainbow” for good measure:
The title track is awesome too. Despite the name, it is not the Woody Guthrie song but an original Frisell composition. It is a more modern take on Americana music that is beyond beautiful:
The album also features a two part tribute to Jimmy Carter. It really does personify the man musically. An amazing piece of music that transcends all politics:
Speaking of tributes, This Land also includes this great composition called Julius Hemphill (named after the saxophone player who actually appeared on a slightly earlier Frisell album called Before We Were Born in 1989 that is also worth seeking out):
“Cartoon” is also a fun tune. As the title implies it serves as a soundtrack to an imaginary cartoon. Its kind of wacky but very complex and interesting:
I also want to reiterate how great the core trio is. Check them out performing “Have a Little Faith” at the Knitting Factory in New York City in 1993:
Finally here is the trio playing several songs from This Land among other classics at the Vitoria Gasteiz Jazz Festival in 1993:
I know I’ll be celebrating the birth of the United States tomorrow playing This Land (among other Bill Frisell albums) at full volume. Perhaps you’d like to do the same?
