Bill Frisell’s 858 Quartet

Bill Frissell is widely acknowledged as a gem of American guitar. A performer, composer and band leader, Frisell has recorded albums ranging from interpretations of musical styles — bluegrass, to pop song arrangements for Elvis Costello.

His most recent release Floratone is another example of his highly creative and improvisation approach to music.

Last year he premiered the Disfarmer Project in Columbus, Ohio a piece commissioned by the Wexner Center for the Arts. For the festival he brings his 858 Quartet. Frisell offers, “Originally the music for this group was written for and inspired by eight Gerhard Richter paintings. The Richter paintings are where this began, but the chemistry felt so good with these folks, I have written more music and will continue to do so as it develops on into the future. For me, this has been a chance to write for my dream string section and also a reunion with one of my best friends, Hank Roberts. Hank was in my first band and we hadn’t played together or even seen each other for many years.”

The quartet features Jenny Scheinman (violin), Eyvind Kang (viola), and Hank Roberts (cello).