Bill Frisell - Guitar in the Space Age

Bill Frisell, guitar
Greg Leisz, mandolin/pedal steel guitars
Tony Scherr, bass
Kenny Wollesen, drums

For this special program, the internationally celebrated composer/guitarist, Bill Frisell mines the catalog of guitar-based music from the 1950s and 1960s that first inspired him to pick up the instrument.

Joining Frisell for this evening of musical memories are the members of his long time working trio, bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Kenny Wollesen, along with frequent collaborator Greg Leisz, a guitar master himself, who is also renowned for his lap and pedal steel guitar work.

This superb quartet will explore the music of jazz icon Charlie Christian, bluesman Junior Wells, rock pioneers The Byrds, The Kinks, Duane Eddy and Link Wray, surf music legends The Beach Boys, The Ventures and The Astronauts, folk musician Pete Seeger and country music stars Chet Atkins, Speedy West, Jimmy Bryant and Merle Travis.

This performance promises a rare look into Frisell’s formative influences, from a time when the electric guitar was in its infancy and creating a startlingly new sound, pushing popular music into the future.