Bill Frisell returns with his latest single “Isfahan” to preview the upcoming release of his 5th Blue Note album ‘In My Dreams’ on February 27. This record features a unique sextet composed of longtime musical partners Jenny Scheinman, Eyvind Kang, Hank Roberts, Thomas Morgan, and Rudy Royston. The group explores a vast range of American music through new Frisell originals and standard repertoire. This performance captures a breathtaking clarity that defines the highest level of contemporary musical collaboration.
The guitarist takes a deep dive into the genius of Billy Strayhorn on this new track. Frisell notes that he spent his entire life touching on this song before reaching a point where he could perform it on a gig. His fascination with the composer spans 20 years of study and admiration. The arrangement honors the source material while allowing the sextet to find fresh movement within the melody.
Producer Lee Townsend and engineer Adam Muñoz utilized an elastic production style to craft the sound of the record. The core tracks originate from live performances recorded in Brooklyn, Denver, and New Haven during 2025. Additional soundscapes were added at Opus Studios in Berkeley to create a hybrid of spontaneous energy and studio precision. The resulting audio presents the ensemble in a vivid and technically flawless environment.
Frisell turns 75 on March 18 and begins a massive run of “75th Birthday Concerts” across the United States. The tour includes stops at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Los Angeles on March 4 and 5, followed by San Francisco on March 7. He visits Portland on March 12, Seattle on March 13, and Denver on March 19. The celebration continues through Kansas City, Tulsa, and New York City before concluding in Sellersville on March 29.