Petra Haden and Bill Frisell Release Music Beyond Definition

Artist: Petra Haden and Bill Frisell
Title: Petra Haden and Bill Frisell
Genre: Easy Listening
Label: Sovereign Records

This is a rare occasion indeed. I am stumped as to what category to put the self-titled Petra Haden and Bill Frisell album. I want to call it jazz and pop but would rather look at it as indefinable easy listening. I will just stick with the easy listening category to keep it simple. This does narrow it down somewhat, but do not be misled by my generalization of this fine recording. The jazz elements come out in Frisell’s guitar, which is due course as he is from that element. Petra Haden (her father is jazz luminary Charlie Haden) is a classical violinist that grew up with music around her constantly.

There is a diverse background and culture immersed in this music that comes to a full boil. After the influences, background and training take a back seat, what you get is a simmering stew of music and personality that makes up all the beautiful tracks. This is the essence of two people playing off each other’s strengths. The 12 tracks are comprised of arranged standards and new songs from artists and composers such as Elliot Smith, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, George Gershwin, Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder, and the incomparable composer Henry Mancini.

Haden has an endearing and sweet voice and Frisell’s guitar is just as elegant and persuasive. I have heard many of these songs done by several different artists over the years and I can honestly say that I have not heard them in this light before. That is exactly why it is so difficult to tuck away in a neat pile and put it on the shelf under jazz, rock or pop, its all of that and more done in an original and definitive way.

I prefer to give you the spirit of what is presented here and arouse your curiosity enough so you take it upon yourself to check out the music and develop your own opinion rather than give you the minutia. This is an opportunity to find something new in the tried and tested, like some of the standards that this duo explores through their own unique vision. Have a look for yourself; you never know what you might find.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

January 13, 2005

Rating-9/10

01. Satellite (2:36)
02. Floaty (6:56)
03. Baï-Laa Taïgam (6:20)
04. Moon River (2:26)
05. Yellow (4:39)
06. I Don't Want To Grow Up (3:57)
07. The Quiet Room (4:22)
08. When You Wish Upon A Star (2:37)
09. I Believe (6:19)
10. John Hardy Was A Desperate Little Man (2:44)
11. I've Got A Crush On You (3:50)
12. Throughout (4:06)