Bill Frisell - "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" (solo) | Fretboard Journal

Bill Frisell returns to the Fretboard Journal for another incredible solo video. This time around, he’s intrepreting Bob Dylans’ “A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall ” on his Fender Telecaster.
Frisell’s Telecaster is heavily modified: A TK Smith neck pickup and a Seymour Duncan Little ’59 bridge pickup; Gibson-scale length neck (done by JW Black); and custom art by Terry Turrell. On this recording, he’s playing through a a Strymon Flint pedal and a Gibson GA-50T amp.
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www.billfrisell.com

[@cmatschke]

Beautiful. More like a ritual than a performance. Just wonderful.

[@fivenotechord]

Every BF performance is like that

[@celticbastardson2599]

Took the words out of my head! Spiritual vibes he laid down!

[@jixxxxer17]

well stated, a ritual , Peace !

[@gefnuppland4810]

please God let this man live for another 200 year

[@lorenzo6mm]

the best Telecaster player ever

[@avtobus1234]

@@lorenzo6mm he and Roy Buchanan, imo! :)

[@eelalien]

Allowing a tune to truly "breathe"... to me, it's Bill's greatest contribution to solo guitar performance and music, in general.

[@written12]

So well put. He never plays a song whose melody he doesn’t love and respect and, for all his adornments and wandering, never fails to serve.

[@ajb625]

Great Call! Allowing it to breathe...such an underutilized discipline.

[@steveb9325]

This made me cry. Made me think of the Vietnam war and all lost to it! tears.... It's so beautiful and yet haunting. Reminds me of bagpipes. Thank you sir.

[@gregmcnair4272]

I feel you, brother.

[@paulhoughton5164]

Now that’s magic. Who else can make time stand still and look like he’s just making it up as he goes along. I’m just mesmerised by that beautiful sound

[@heartpath1]

I think it’s natural, as a musician matures, to move beyond complexity and information, back to simplicity and purity. Bill says so much with so little. He connects so deeply with the melody that he is always in the song. I imagine Dylan would really enjoy this, even if (maybe) he wouldn’t admit it 😆

[@pletonicsolids]

His picking technique is awesome. He is constantly changing where he picks for a different sound.

[@pletonicsolids]

It's second nature to him.

[@harriheinsoo]

also, notice the way he frets the notes (with a subtle vibrato) and bends the neck to create a floating sound. a true master.

[@celticbastardson2599]

If you don't look, it seems there's multiple musicians having a conversation.

[@purvisvandongen4258]

look at you, learning to play guitar

[@Putaspellonyou]

like everything frisell does, this is simply transcendent. would fender PLEASE do a bill frisell signature model?

[@AdrianWhyte]

Truthfully, Signature models really are a gimmick anyway... Bill Frisell has his own sound on any guitar he plays, so how do you make a signature model of that? 🧐

[@steveshadforth]

Twat

[@bernardogui3933]

Mr X well, is true that Fender, like any company, wants our money. But, in my humble opinion, they do interesting marketing things that allows new generations to play the guitar and, of course, buy a Fender. best regards.

[@Flat5Henry]

Yeah, have Fender do a sig and Bill will be playing something different three times over by the time the sig hits the street, lol! And good on him! That TK Smith pickup sounds divine!!!

[@JakeSoffer]

I don't think he *needs* a signature model, but...if Fender made a reissue of the Telecaster he's playing in this video, I'd be all over it. That thing is gorgeous.

[@rsavage42]

God it’s enough to make you cry

[@lifeenvironments]

What an unexpected delight. There's magic in simple and uncomplicated. Exquisite.

[@glen7695]

Bill Frisell has such an intriguing and elusive sound. He creates a beautiful ambiance, but his sound never gets muddy.

[@19501960]

sometimes music stops you in your tracks, this is an example of it.

[@palmereldritch8277]

I can only assume the 74 people who disliked this did so because it does not go on forever.

[@johnnorth9355]

Came across this purely by accident and almost clicked away straight away but the tone of the telecaster caught my attention and I persevered. Boy am I glad I did. A stunning rendition that has made me immediately re-think how music can be done. Outstanding.

[@brandex2011]

I did the same thing with Bill’s version of ‘Surfer Girl’. Bypassed it for a long time and finally thought “Bill Frisell” and enjoyed a wonderful experience. Same with this vid.

[@sineqube]

I have no words for how beautifully you play. Thank you.

[@martinet1985]

thanks!

[@andrewhenderson8320]

Every time I here beautiful sounds like this it's reminds me of walking with my old dog in the mountains of Scotland stunning

[@jameshannan367]

Another illuminating, haunting, soulful and beautiful interpretation by Bill Frisell. Thank you Bill

[@freeseguitar-np4mh]

Such a moving musician, thank you Bill for sharing your emotional connection with us.

[@pj_day]

This has become one of my favorite guitar performances ever.

[@Partybob1]

This goes into my ears and straight past my brain to my heart.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Every note means something. Awesome!!!

[@aaronaragon7838]

I just felt like time froze...what a master.

[@pontesieve]

I can’t stop listening to this , what a moving rendition of this song , and felt like he was playing this for the world and all its troubles

[@joeboonmusic4004]

I'm convinced this is one of the most beautiful things i've ever heard. What effortless mastery.

[@andyholtz4710]

That would be Kenny Werner. Eh? Eh? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about ;)

[@elcentinela1000]

I was in the vicinity of posting your exact same words..!

[@davidr.9040]

This is a really cool solo performance. I love how he makes the melody resonate over a wash of melodic overtones if that makes sense. I feel like his playing captures the way the song has resonated with people throughout the years since it was written.

[@zenguy7711]

An absolute genius!!

[@rickbullock4331]

I love the sound of that particular guitar. I had just listened to Patti Smith sing at the Nobel Prize in 2016 and was interested in hearing another version and chose this one. I liked it very much.👍👍🇨🇦

[@mortorsabado]

bill is the coolest...i want to be like him when i am older.

[@jaysewall1]

It is that virus time, so I am a musician out-of-work; but every time I pick up my guitar this is the song that come out of me. One of Dylan's many wonders! And this instrumental version with variations on ever verse and chorus too. So wonderful...so wonderful.

[@stevecooper7087]

Whenever I see Bill play I can never tell if his technical skill guides his play or his intuition so it must be a perfect blend of both. I always get drawn in for the duration.

[@alexdante]

I can easily watch him playing solo for weeks!

[@sunsparkle8443]

He captures the melodic sense of songs so nicely. His tone and dynamics are great. This is just excellent guitar playing.

[@gregarnold1696]

Bill has that same power as Charlie Haden when they play time stops and the love fills the room

[@jime6688]

Coolest looking tele I’ve ever seen.

[@reidelsass7488]

This man has been such an inspiration to me. I met him in the basement practice rooms of the community college I was going to school for music before he played. Got his autograph and have cherished the record ever since. Thank you Bill Frisell.

[@kenmier9789]

Heard this two days ago; it’s haunted me since then. Someone mentioned Dylan’s lyrics. Mr. Frisell makes it ok not to use words to achieve the same effect.

[@ronwood7029]

Beautiful tele played expertly by bill

[@1022rebelreddog]

no one out there that's like bill. he can put his touch on all kinds of music...Lucinda Williams hwy 20..etc

[@israelcox3570]

Bill plays with such dynamic... so soothing to hear him play a Dylan tune.

[@tubhair]

Beautiful. Shows that Dylan’s not only a poet/wordsmith, but writes amazing melodies.

[@mhoegeman]

i think it's adaptation of an old english folk tune.

[@betterthantelly2993]

Ah a musician who happens to play guitar. And what an astounding musician you are Mr Frisell

[@stephenlandry9061]

His playing takes you on a journey

[@vhollund]

Beautiful sounds from a beautiful mind on a beautiful guitar

[@UnknownUser-tb8gw]

one of the greatest guitarplayers of all times

[@LayneRussell]

Ah, Bill, such music for the heart and soul. Thank you.

[@Doug_Seidlitz]

Gorgeous playing.

[@barristanselmy2758]

Good god, what an amazing slice of music. Bob should hear this.

[@BaljakTuners]

like a face drowing on his guitar...two week ago he play in my town with this guitar and his trio...top milion concert...

[@elliotpecora737]

I love how it starts very loosely around the melody and then slowly gets tighter towards the end. Bravo!

[@wny1162]

Never have understood all the enthusiasm about this player. Have seen him live and have listened to him. Have been a jazz lover for over 50 years. Everything he plays ses to take a lot of effort. Yes nice sound. Ethereal. A little goes a long way for this listener.

[@Bahruse]

I appreciate the attention to the sustain.

[@faycalmohamed]

Just beautiful.

[@raylangley405]

What a wonderful wonderful player you are fantastic !

[@benbarclay5546]

He puts the "Hope" back in what is after all a pretty apocalyptic song. First time I saw Bill was sitting at his feet at the "People Get Ready" Guelph Jazz Festival in a church. Completely blown away. Bill is unique, one of the great guitarists.

[@ChordYogaGuitar]

Meets Dylan's timbre on guitar. Stellar and inspiring performance.

[@davidk.8608]

that brought me to tears! Simply stunning. Thank you.

[@michael53ish]

I loved it then and love it now

[@JovanMann]

Amazing

[@normc8169]

A musical poetry. Tears felt from my eyes.

[@johngeddes7894]

This makes a case for less is more. It still speaks volumes, and is enjoyable at the same time. Three snaps in Z formation!

[@danielrainville8094]

Just perfect!

[@CBbehereNOW]

Mr. Frisell is a treasure of the Universe ❤

[@Christopherjazzcat]

Greatest guitarist alive.

[@tejastani]

But Julian Lage is gaining on him...

[@vladymirlamadieu390]

Both are great guitarist. I have seen them separately live and they are the reasons why my tele is my guitar of choice. Such tasty players.

[@MrByrd-ep5pd]

Julian Lage plays Jazz (mostly). Bill Frisell is--despite what some people think--a 'folkie'. Each has his appeal. Cross-genre comparisons like this are, however, inappropriate.

[@eltigre8978]

Mr. Bird, let's not put "jazz" in a box. Jazz is MUCH bigger than you realize. Bill is an innovator and that is what jazz is all about......fresh ideas and change. Calling him a "folkie" implies he isn't as good as others. All Music is derived from folk music to begin with. Bill has covered a lot of territory in his career. Julian Lage may have awesome technique but that doesn't make him a better jazz guitarist. Julian Lage has better technique than Grant Green but I still prefer Grant Green. Yes, jazz is so big that you can't really compare anyone. It's all ultimately about conveying emotion and all the players I've mentioned are equals in the world of making music that speaks to our souls.....yes, some have better "technique" and can do more tricks but any musician worth listening to must speak to our souls first and that doesn't require great technical abilities.

[@eltigre8978]

No doubt about it. The Telecaster has been the choice of many jazz greats from Ed Bickert to John Scofield and Bill Frissell. It's my favorite guitar as well.

[@edtrively8061]

perfectly timed release. beautiful.

[@jipes]

Such a beautiful rendition and inventive comping

[@Larriex97]

This piece make me feel a kind of melancholy for something that has to do with past and reflection about not near facts... Bill Frisell is amazing

[@johntavers6878]

I haven't cried this hard in years

[@LA-zc9rg]

What tone and a feeling for dynamics. Helluva a player.

[@martindanburen1994]

You said it. Excellent job Bill! Sweet sounds! That is one fine Tele.

[@gammaraytube]

Thanks Bill. You are an artist. Makes me want to pick up my Telecaster.

[@alexandrecaxito9101]

...Genius of my life......Genius of my life......Genius of my life...

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Most beautiful playing on the most beautiful Tele.

[@MrJonahWhaler]

bill is always a pleasure to hear and watch... and I gave white pickguard from my strat to my kids for custom design

[@lizday8140]

Took me to the mountain top. Thank you, Dear Sir.

[@kentaylor8004]

Beautiful is the word.

[@Killamixtape]

This melody is so charming!

[@TheGmcFilms]

Right on the money notes %100 and with that reverb and delay it doesn't get any sweeter. Every heart in the room belongs to Billy ...G...

[@pierrem.martelli5173]

Simply wonderful.

[@JohnW335andTele]

How appropriate that I clicked on the song. I'm sitting in my car while the rain is coming down and it's forecasted that we're going to get a lot of rain in the next few days.

[@boidinktwistie4389]

just wanted to comment on how awesome that guitar is! also an amazing performance.

[@MrJohnr47]

I really need to see him live.

[@mikelowe22]

All I can say is wow..this dude is at one with his instrument, love the fullness of the reverb sound....proof that a tele can be very versatile!!

[@davemassie3726]

Thank you, I feel so much better. sweet playing & tone. less is more!

[@guicasoamillo]

CONGRATULATIONS and thank you very much Mr. FrisellYour music is like water blowing in peace. Great hug from Madrid

[@pereztube2]

fitting song choice for today

[@Jplent1]

liberals...

[@DuneAquaViva]

Gorgeous..love that pick up too.!

[@kilimanjarno]

a beautiful song beautifully interpreted.

[@18echosf]

So simple and stunning at the same time. What a player.

[@evantapper5924]

Simply splendid.

[@biondipepe]

that's gorgeous stuff, thanks Bill for your music

[@PaulHofreiter]

Some people just make the earth a better place. I have come back and listened to this (and Bill’s other Fretboard performances) and they just never get old and are packed with ideas, inspiration, honesty and beauty. It’s hard to choose but I think this is my favorite.

[@bernardogui3933]

Bill is a force of nature like the air or the water.

[@TheGtk444]

Wow. This guy is what we refer to as........an ARTIST. That was art. Wow.

[@zbs2363]

This guy made me buy a telecaster. Please come back to Berlin as soon as pandemic is over

[@WillyPDX94]

Perfect song for what's going on now in the country. Bill plays so beautifully. Very moving.

[@Miggymel1]

Good....good....medicine. Thank you so much.

[@aureliomalva]

so much delicacy, so much subtlety, so much Art!

[@drogonaut]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@jazzlefty]

Master of Nuance an tone ,Music with emoción, a true artist.

[@lilakmonoke982]

what amazing sounding neck pickup harmonics! i was just wondering what to do with my telecaster ...