Fred Frith's 2009 avant-garde jazz studio album, "The Big Picture," is a captivating exploration of sound and composition, blending elements of free jazz, experimental, and tango. Collaborating with the Swiss-based ARTE Quartett, Frith delivers a complex and intricate sonic landscape that spans 21 tracks and over an hour of music. The album is divided into two main sections: the six-part suite "The Big Picture" and a collection of diverse compositions that showcase the ensemble's versatility and Frith's innovative guitar work.
The six-part suite serves as the album's centerpiece, with each section building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The remaining tracks offer a mix of solo performances, duets, and ensemble pieces, each with its own unique character and charm. From the playful "Hopscotch (for John Zorn)" to the introspective "Nostalgia," the album is a testament to Frith's compositional prowess and the ARTE Quartett's exceptional musicianship.
Recorded and released on Intakt Records, "The Big Picture" is a bold and adventurous album that pushes the boundaries of avant-garde jazz and experimental music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Fred Frith or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. So, dive in and let the music transport you to a world of sound and imagination.
Tracks
The Big Picture Part 1Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
The Big Picture Part 2Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Katharina Weber, Arte Quartett
The Big Picture Part 3Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
The Big Picture Part 4Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
The Big Picture Part 5Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Katharina Weber, Arte Quartett
The Big Picture Part 6Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Introduction: The Power of PrayerFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Some Assembly Required (soloist: B. Hofstetter)Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Hopscotch (for John Zorn)Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
ConfessFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Katharina Weber, Arte Quartett
Song and DanceFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Void Where Prohibited (soloist: S. Armbruster)Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Katharina Weber, Arte Quartett
Rosali's SongFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Red RagFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Significant Restrictions Apply (soloist: A. Formenti)Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Boyan's ProblemFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Kick ItFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Katharina Weber, Arte Quartett
NostalgiaFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
Batteries Not Included (soloist: B. Kappeler)Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
T. Square Park Lark (for Frank Zappa)Fred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Katharina Weber, Arte Quartett
The Power of Prayer: CodaFred Frith, Lucas Niggli, Arte Quartett, Katharina Weber
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