Good Dog Happy Man

Description

Bill Frisell is like a chef or an alchemist. He brings together the characteristics and properties of diverse players to make one unique amalgam. With GOOD DOG HAPPY MAN, Frisell seeks the common ground between such musicians as bluegrass bassist Viktor Krauss, erstwhile New York downtown jazzbo keyboardist Wayne Horvitz, blue country steel guitarist Greg Liesz, and journeyman rock drummer Jim Keltner. What these very different players have in common is the inability to fit into easily defined categories or molds. Similarly, Frisells own musical voice draws from all corners of American tradition. GOOD DOG is an album steeped in locale. It exudes a sense of place. Frisells compositions range from subtle groove frameworks (Big Shoe) to fragile ballads (Rain, Rain). The lone cover, a traditional Shenandoah, features guest guitarist Ry Cooder. This album falls beautifully between the earthiness of Frisells NASHVILLE album and the spontaneous combustion of GONE, JUST LIKE A TRAIN.