Legendary jazz guitarist Bill Frisell will make a stop in State College tonight after a string of shows in New York City.
The Bill Frisell Trio will be playing at 8 p.m. in the State Theatre. Tickets are $27 at the theater's box office. The Trio will also feature Rudy Royston on drums and Tony Scherr on bass.
Frisell is viewed by many as a living legend of jazz, Kristy Cyone, the marketing director for the State Theatre said, adding critics have compared his ability to that of jazz guru Miles Davis. Frisell recently played several shows at New York's prestigious Village Vanguard with Paul Motian and Joe Lovano, who are also legends in the genre.
"He's one of the best known names in modern jazz," Cyone said. "You really can't get much better than Bill Frisell."
Frisell's main instrument is the electric guitar. He's best known as an innovator, experimenting with techniques, effects and styles.
"If anyone's at all familiar with what I do, this trio is sort of a situation where I can go in any kind of direction and play music from all the areas that I'm interested in," Frisell said.
Royston and Scherr are also veterans of the jazz scene.
Frisell said the members of the trio have been working together for years, which will make for a cohesive performance.
"I'm looking forward to playing," Frisell said. "I just feel so lucky to be able to travel around and perform. These guys I'm with are like my best friends."
The chemistry between the members of the trio means concert-goers can expect a somewhat eclectic mix of music at the show, as the combo explores Frisell's many musical interests.
"It's kind of a cross-section of many things that I do," Frisell said. "There'll be some of my music, some music from my newest album. Whatever happens that day, it impacts what happens with the music."
Frisell has often branched out from traditional jazz in his career, dabbling in folk, rock and Americana styles. He has recorded instrumental interpretations of several popular artists' work, including recorded covers of Aaron Copland, Bob Dylan and Madonna. Some of these covers will be played tonight.
"Like Hank Williams or Aretha Franklin, I'm hearing the sound of their voice in my head," Frisell said. "I try to imitate that on the guitar."
Cyone said Frisell's performance is an example of the State Theatre's work to present a diverse selection of shows throughout the year.
"The idea of bringing Bill Frisell came from [City Lights Records owner] Greg Gabbard," State Theatre executive director Mike Negra said. "Frisell doesn't leave New York too often, so it's going to be a great show."
