Two rights make a wrong
2
By philt1
Unexpectedly lethargic, repetitive and uninspired. Considering the richness of the source material, Frisell just seems to meander. Every song sounds more or less like Across The Universe, which is a nice mood for 3 minutes, but not for 40. Disappointing in light of Frisells deft touch and the brilliance he's shown in his career. If you want some guitar based covers of The Beatles, start with the astonishing Lawrence Joubert and go from there.
Other alternatives
3
By Salt Hawk
I love Bill Frisell and the versatility he brings to any genre (my go to fav being his album with Dave Holland and the late Elvin Jones). However, this interpretation of Beatle/Lennon songs doesn't hold up from a jazz perspective. I much prefer the Michael Occhipinti and Shine On album interpretations; the reason being there is a much wider palette of instrumentation and vocals to work with. Still, there are tracks on this album worth the individual price.
A failed opportunity
2
By Reykjavik1
Sorry, I think Frisell is a guitar genius, and am a huge Beatles fan and like much of Lennon's solo output, but this could have been way better. First, the instrumental lineup is the wrong combo for Lennon's music: this is basically a country/bluegrass ensemble, which just doesn't fit. Worse, the arrangements are really unimaginative. Most of the time there is a coy introductory scrambling of the melody, and then the lead instruments launch into a pedestrian rendering of the sung melody, often in unison. The few standout tracks illustrate what it could have been. The arrangement of Imagine works pretty well; the stripped-down guitar, drums and bass rendering of Mother is really powerful, and more congruent with the raw, bare bones source material; and the version of Give Peace a Chance that closes the album fuses the separate instruments into a kind of soaring orchestral sound that hints at rather than reproduces the original song.
All We Are Saying...
2
By srekaj
It's not just boring, it's irritating. The players sound comatose the sound is so lethargic. Stereophile recommended this album. Shameful.
All We Are Saying
5
By lenzladee
I was looking in iTunes for some music that would make me feel something again. I found “All We Are Saying . . “ by Bill Frisell and Band. They had recorded a selection of John’s music but reinterpreted in their own way. I had to give it a listen. The first track was “Across The Universe” and as the minute and a half spun its magic spell across my universe I knew then I had to buy the whole album because it touched me and the sound reconnected me to something forgotten. I wanted to listen to this music until my last breath. I didn’t expect to cry. A rush of memories and a gentle tug in my heart was all the music did and I thought, “Of course, I should have known.” But then I probably would not have the music now. It is better this way. My way would have been to jam those memories back in the corner of my mind where they don’t hurt anymore and soldier on. It is hard to acknowledge we have been living in the world without John;s musical talent to sustain us with new creations since 1980. Other artists doing their versions of his music although well done seem to miss something he gave to it. I am grateful to Bill and the band because they are able to fill the void even though their interpretation is uniquely theirs, it is unmistakably Lennon’s music but sounds so different. John's music has and will always stand the test of time; this music is proof.
Solid stuff
4
By forofficeuseonly
He doesn't mess around too much with the basic structures or melodies, which makes sense here -- Nowhere Man, Hold On and especially You've Got To Hide Your Love Away are superb. They are worth the price of an individual download if you don't want the whole shooting caboodle.
Wow...
5
By that-horn-keys-vocalist-studio-guy
This is an unexpected surprise. I often browse for what's new out there in the jazz scene, and this album caught me off guard. As a sound engineer with a studio, I can appreciate the quality, as the production is quite nice. As a former music performance major, I'm very intrigued and delighted with the arrangements and performances. The funny thing is, I'm not really a huge Beatles or John Lennon fan, but I can hear the melodies, and at the same time appreciate the unique renditions. The slide guitars, violin, tasteful bass work, a style that crosses genres - could be folk, could be Americana, could be country, could be experimental, could be ambient, and dare I say "pop"?. Lots of flavors to choose from, and tastefully done. I've sat here & demo'd every track. A great album that I will be purchasing. It may not be an album to get you up & running every morning, but if you're a John Lennon & Beatles fan looking for an album with a good bit of feeling and exceptionally done, this is a keeper.
EVERY LENNON FAN ALIVE,THIS IS A MUST HAVE
5
By s2k-04
Absolutely brillant , up beat jazz.....Mr.Frisell,Thank You. This isjust too good not to own!!!
Sorry Bill, but....
2
By The Bouge
I've been a fan of Bill's for years, own all his recordings and have seen him many times. But, I found this to be a high level of Muzak. Nice but predictable and boring.
All my favorites
5
By Cameron Mizell
Like most people that know what's good for them, I'm a huge fan of the Beatles. I'm also a huge fan of Bill Frisell, especially when he plays with Jenny Scheinman, Greg Leisz, Kenny Wollesen, and Tony Scherr, and on this album you can hear how much they love the music of the Beatles and John Lennon as well. Their interpretations are very relatable while still sounding totally unique. Do yourself a favor and buy this album.
