Ever go through musician withdrawal? All of a sudden out of the blue you become super aware that it's been too long since you've had a good listen? Well, the other day an irrepressible urge to hear Bill Frisell came to me and I went back to some classics -- the live release East/West at a healthy volume and Gone, Just Like a Train for good measure.
Frisell's never quiet. If a few months go by and you don't hear about anything, it means he's working on something or that something is about to be released. Case in point, just as I was feeding my urge and looking up tour dates (I'm totally longing to see him play live), my friend Jim sent me over a link to this video of his latest endeavor: the music of John Lennon. Here's a video with great insight from Bill and longtime producer/collaborator Lee Townsend about their connection to this music. The record, All We Are Saying, comes out on September 27th on Savoy Jazz -- see the press release and track listing below.

Press Release
Consummate guitarist‚ composer and musical interpreter Bill Frisell has assembled a trusted ensemble consisting of Jenny Scheinman (violin)‚ Tony Scherr (bass)‚ Greg Leisz (guitars) and Kenny Wollesen (drums) to record his take on the classic songs of John Lennon. Titled "ALL WE ARE SAYING‚" the project has long been in the works-one could go as far back as the first time he heard the Beatles at the age of 13. Fast forward a few decades and Frisell is asked to put together an impromptu set in honor of John Lennon as part of a special event in Paris. The preparation‚ performances and reception to these compositions was an inspiration nurtured to fruition with this project. Recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and produced by Lee Townsend‚ "ALL WE ARE SAYING" will be released on Savoy Jazz on September 27.

Described by the Wall Street Journal as "the most innovative and influential jazz guitarist of the past 25 years" Frisell's artistry has earned across the board praise for his instinctual musicianship-working both within and beyond the parameters of jazz music as he effortlessly incorporates elements of Americana‚ world‚ blues‚ classical‚ creating a rich and unique aural tapestry.

Says Frisell: "John Lennon's music has been with me‚ the band‚ everybody‚ the world...seems like forever. The songs are part of us. In our blood. There was nothing we really needed to do to prepare for this. We've been preparing our whole lives. The songs are there. All we had to do was play them. Everyone involved with this has their own personal‚ deep‚ long‚ relationship to John Lennon's music. It connects us all and brings us together. I feel blessed having the chance to play this music with these people".

"All We Are Saying" song list:

Across the Universe
Revolution
Nowhere Man
Imagine
Please Please Me
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away
Hold On
In My Life
Come Together
Julia
Woman
# 9 Dream
Love
Beautiful Boy
Mother
Give Peace a Chance