Best Of Bill Frisell Vol. 1: Folk Songs, The

Great guitar folk/country (with a distinct jazz influence). Bill Frisell has long been known as a standout jazz guitarist, famous for his unique sound, which is influenced by folk, country, and bluegrass. Here he focuses on folk songs, but with the same atmospheric, ambient flavor for which he is famous. Album is about half Frisell originals (tracks 2, 4-7, 9, 11, 13, and 15), and half covers (tracks 1, 3, 8, 10, and 14). Basically some mean guitar playing, disguised as jazzy, beautiful, and soothing folk songs. All instrumental (no FCCs). Recommended tracks: 3, 5, 9, 10, 15.

1. Meditative version of this classic Hank Williams song. Atmospheric and bluesy. [3:30]
2. Upbeat folk ditty, with a jazzy spin… a Frisell original. [3:26]
3. Wicked banjo. A very twangy, western feeling track, which also meanders into an eastern-influenced feeling. [3:55]
4. Funky and jazzy track with lots of attitude… and dobro! [4:26]
5. Lovely bittersweet and pensive track. Great instrumentation (including pedal steel, organ), with nice slide guitar. [5:23]
6. Sultry, almost flamenco-like track, with layered guitar harmonies. [4:09]
7. Straightforward folk. A bit cheesy. [3:14]
8. Haunting and bluesy cover of Shenandoah, a sweet version of a beautiful song. [6:15]
9. Really nice track… shows Frisell’s roots in jazz. Soft, lush guitar melody; gentle bass line; whispering percussion. Yum. [3:27]
10. Moody slide guitar-infused ballad. Atmospheric and delightful, with a more upbeat finale. [5:43]
11. Meandering folk tune. Drone-like and practically mesmerizing. [4:03]
12. Upbeat and bluegrass-ish. Simple yet very melodic and quite lovely. [6:31]
13. Very country and bittersweet. Picture a cowboy riding into the sunset and a tumbleweed rolling by… this song would be playing in the background. [3:13]
14. Begins as a sad ballad, then picks up in the middle with some bang-up banjo pickin’! [4:04]
15. Probably the poppiest track on the album. Upbeat folk anthem complete with pedal steel and organ. Cheerful. [3:44]