Bill Frisell: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

The brilliant and nimble guitarist reinvents the songs of John Lennon at the NPR Music offices.
Set List:
Nowhere Man"
"In My Life"
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
For more videos and to subscribe to the Tiny Desk Concerts podcast, visit npr.org/tinydeskconcerts.

[@Daveskee]

He's always played with such a sensitivity, almost a kindness. Some people just have that musical demeanor that makes the sounds more intimate and honest. When he's playing Lennon's or McCartney's songs, it's like hearing a conversation at the next table between true and understanding friends.

[@MuzoSTEIN]

I'd say at the SAME TABLE!

[@guitarstevie2]

That's a good way of putting it, playing with such sensitivity and KINDNESS. Would have never chose that adjective but it's perfect.

[@jltrem]

"almost a kindness" Well said.

[@giovanna8187]

Dave Dalton Yes, sensitive in everything. "In My Life" is so moving.

[@javiceres]

Bill has in spades what Lennon lacked... or ended up lacking. May be that’s why they compliment each other so well here

[@bluesborn]

Bill really knows how to play with the silence between the chords and stretch time. He's a very Zen guy in this regard.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

like miles.. uses silence in his phrasing - which is beautiful

[@ryanphelan6861]

@@cmkilcullen8176 stole my reply lol look at icon. Miles Einstein of music first thought is right thought otherwise you then try to do something and sound familiar albeit incredible, first thought you will play something nobodies ever heard. Bill is miles on guitar negative space in a painting it's art and high level understanding✌️🎶🎷

[@cmkilcullen8176]

@@ryanphelan6861 Yeah man...

[@cmkilcullen8176]

And he's playing a very nice strat...♡

[@cmkilcullen8176]

@@ryanphelan6861 Prince of darkness... "Hey Tony, go grow a mustache...or get ci-gar or some'n..."

[@jengel2000]

Watching Bill play is kind of like riding on a rickety old rollercoaster... it's thrilling and beautiful, but you can't escape the feeling you are about to go off the tracks.

[@abarkcanoe]

I love the affection of your statement.

[@AnthonyJohnson-Hud]

How can this genius be so humble? I love how he "paints" with music. Reminds me of Thelonius Monk! I haven't even mentioned his guitar playing. A Master! Thanks, Bill!!

[@rlustemberg]

Anthony Johnson when he plays Monk it’s truly incredible. Best Monk on guitar ever played.

[@ryanphelan6861]

The more you know the more you realise you don't....hence true genius is humble even self destructive in critiques. He's a national treasure like miles on trumpet a one off they broke the mold.

[@nickkomanowski9503]

Yes, Bill has a sublime version of Monk's "Epistrophy" here on KZbin.

[@ryanphelan6861]

@@nickkomanowski9503 sublime taste chapeau monsieur ✌️🎶🎷 merci beaucoup

[@JazzgutsVGvanKampen]

A true master has a marriage with Art, and knows what it takes to reach a shore just to discover there are mountains infront which also have to be crossed and after that something new appears, that's the life of a true artist. There's no Ego only Art.

[@johndavey5719]

so many of the elements modern guitarists think they "have to" learn - like thrash machine-gunning, whammy dive-bombing, 64th note arpeggios - Bill just seems to have ignored. And yet - or maybe _as a result_ - his playing is just breathtaking, incredibly beautiful. He's absolutely one-of-a-kind, utterly unique, a guy who really and truly found his own voice. His understanding and application of harmony is amazing. wonderful.

[@Yash42189]

the word guitarist can almost be used as a pejorative now... i would say bill is not a guitarist, he is a musician

[@burroughs334]

Bill Frisell always invigorates my interest in guitar every time he plays. Such amazing phrasing and tone. He makes that strat sound great.

[@alsamuef]

Sounds simple and calm but there's a lot of stuff going on in the details and nuances. The timbre, spaces, mutes, reverbs and delays, dynamics, loop overdubs , effects, all dancing together in perfect harmony, consistency, sense, and beauty. For a guitar player, this is very difficult to do, even if you are a shredder .

[@macks00w95]

especially if you're a shredder

[@seesharpminor7996]

Shredders will pass on this one

[@KevinOBrien88]

This is some of the cleanest playing I've ever heard. Every note is perfectly sounded. You're spot on, it's just incredibly nuanced and detail oriented playing.

[@michaelwertzy9808]

WOW, "shredders" are only adolescence's that just need acknowledgment for how fast they can spout drivel. AAHH It's the chicks

[@timscannell8482]

Especially if you're a shredder. ;-)

[@TLMuse]

Thanks to Bill, of course, for this lovely performance. But thanks, too, to the Tiny Desk A/V engineers, Mike & Kevin. As a guitarist watching this, I'm really grateful for how it was shot and recorded-it really provides insight into Bill's playing.

[@UncleEti]

yes but a maybe a dumm wish, I would have liked to have even a brief look on his gear : people mentions pedals, stuff...?

[@fieldingmellish6856]

"Music is a trip ... Im 60 years old and today is the 1st day and whole thing is in front of me"

[@jackcoltrane5532]

That`s what it is!!

[@Bobby007D]

Too bad you missed the 60's. You don't know what you're missing.

[@javiceres]

@@Bobby007D Nowhere man :)

[@Bobby007D]

@@javiceres The world is at your command !

[@Seanhassall]

🙏

[@FilipeMariaBraga]

Something in the way he plays Attracts me like no other...

[@morningdottimesthree]

See what you did there! 🔥

[@Crashoverall]

He is amazing. He, and a couple of other really talented musicia, brought the jazz guitar to the XXI century. I thank him for that

[@michaelwertzy9808]

He's been renowned since the '70s

[@monkeyxx]

@@michaelwertzy9808 that was the XX century

[@RainerPleyer]

I keep coming back to this extraordinary performance. It never gets old, and the listening experience is never the same. Such a pleasure to listen to and to view.

[@anodyne57]

Bill, humble ace as always... he works so hard and with so much intention when he plays live. The result...and the highlight for me was his Strawberry Fields...truly a gem of musicality. His talent for using the delay in a uniquely complementary fashion is part of his genius. The man is a legend.

[@thomasdorger4826]

what a beautiful sound and a humble person !! thank you Bill

[@andersingram]

simply incredible... I have never seen someone integrate so many effects so musically without it seeming like they take over his playing is just beautiful

[@Mehdiemporio]

Could you tell us what effects you recognized and why it was used ? I am new to electric guitar, been playing acoustic for 8 years, and I just discovered amps and stuff ! Working on my technique for sure (shreeeedding) but how about these effects you talk about ? Can't recognize 'em..

[@andersingram]

If you look up Bill Frisell pedal demonstration on YT then you get a breakdown. He is using the EH Freeze pedal to do long held drones. He is also using a tape delay modeling pedal to do some delay and short loop effects that he is then playing over. One of the things I like best though is that in his playing he is using very slight vibrato to create a modulating sound that sounds like an effect but is a subtle aspect of his playing (one which goes really nicely with the style of effects he is using) ... its really nicely put together

[@bcclark]

Frissell uses a Line 6 DL4 delay for looping phrases; this is in addition the Freeze....

[@Donkeytron64]

I just noticed the vibrato in his playing too. Thought it was a pedal but I can see it in his hand. Seems like he is intentionally going for a more square-wave kind of pitch variation (versus the more standard sine/consistent shape). Really cool! Sounds more like an old record or tape or something.

[@michaelwertzy9808]

@@Mehdiemporio, You're on the wrong page "shreeder", "and stuff"?!

[@hemmingway953]

If the first day of spring could play guitar, it would play like Bill Frisell.

[@timothydaniels504]

I saw Bill Frisell in Santa Barbara about 6 years ago with his Kenny Wolleson, Greg Leisz, Tony Scheer band. It was a wonderful, low key concert. They played Turn, Turn, Turn, it was about a month after Pete Seeger’s passing. There weren’t many dry eyes in the audience; it was so beautiful that it broke your heart..

[@varkony60]

I saw the very same group in Szeged, Hungary. It was a great experience, indeed.

[@FreshTrooperXBL]

Where did he play in SB? Downtown somewhere?

[@timothydaniels504]

They played in the Lobero Theatre.

[@primolandia]

He's just a great example of a Human being, in everything! Thanks Bill!

[@andzwe]

The perfect song to accompany me, this sunny, autumn morning, while walking to the nursery home where I got a volunteer job. Bill Frisell gives a depth to the song, that truly seems to represent what it's like to be a nowhere man.

[@d.dedrick7991]

You not only have a good ear for, and taste in, music, you also have a good heart...Thanks & blessings for being a volunteer & helping those in need....😳👍😇

[@josemolina959]

Love Bill Frisell! Met him in Seattle five years ago! He is unique, and everything he plays makes perfect sense, besides, the passion of his notes take you to magical places. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎼🎵🎶🎸🎵🎶🎼

[@steveb9325]

I love that Bill always or usually says: I'm not sure what's going to happen" too true! We never do. That's what's so exciting about playing music and living life!🙏

[@GargesFriend]

I like the way Frisell paraphrases the inner structures of these songs and not the outer 'skyline'. He may seem to deface these songs, yet he shows deep fidelity and respect.

[@cassianowogel]

I wish I could play guitar so much like myself as Bill plays like himself.

[@Psyfonify]

heres how - start learning guitar and give up learning songs after the first year and then play for 15 more - experience - myself

[@rillloudmother]

or if you want to follow frissell's path learn all the songs you can and keep learning everything you can about music and play with great players.

[@javiceres]

We all do

[@GiovanniPiacentiniMusic]

Great comment. Me too.

[@carterpaul2688]

He’s bold

[@JoeDiehlMusic]

He's so loveable. Never mind that he's an extraordinary musician. I've seen Bill a few times, and he's always brilliant and never predictable.

[@colourbloo]

oh man, it was trippy such great stuff and after all that he's still so humble what a great person!

[@x700m75]

He was inspiring me many years ago. Loved his ability to step out and be beautifully creative. Much admiration for the man!

[@jejesus]

Bill Frisell is like his music: warm, nice and very human. Thanks a lot NPR! I love Tiny Desk Concerts!

[@christopherdecena7828]

Bill picks up the shreds of memories , reharmonizes them , then turns them into a solemn prayer ...

[@freddymclain]

yeah, I'll go with that.

[@chrispullin2238]

What an amazing tone he creates, he's technique is excellent.

[@KhalDrogo76]

one of a kind, probably my favorite guitar player of all time...at least top 3....just a genius on the instrument...so original and tasty!

[@both-hands]

I wish I could play the guitar like you, Bill. Thank you for bringing those old songs to life. Thank you. Your music has just brought me back to life.

[@Tutankhamen210]

Frisellmania! Frisell says more in this 20-minute concert than most guitarists say in their WHOLE discography. Thank you, thank you!

[@alisaiterkan]

I am not American but if someone asked me what Americana is, I would say "Bill Frisell"... In its most sophisticated and honest form...

[@anodyne57]

As an American, I heartily agree. Perhaps that distinctiveness is what appeals to so many of his European fans?

[@KnockHappyBard]

This was one of the best Tiny Desks in a long time. Thank you for posting this!

[@MrFrussel]

I really love it when brilliant people like Bill are this humble. Makes him more iconic than he already is.

[@sakeexperience1920]

This is one of sensitive playing. I have ever seen. He makes special atomosphere . Love it ✨

[@thomasmartinscott]

I've watched the whole concert with drums, bass and pedal steel...SEVERAL times. It is fabulous! If you haven't seen it, and you enjoyed this, you're in for a real treat!

[@indigogirl17]

I love this man and his humility and wonderful playing.

[@andrewtreynolds]

Man... his playing is just so lovely. These renditions are gorgeous. Don't know what else there is to be said.

[@JANVAN]

sweetest sound from the sweetest guy. Love you Bill, thank you Mr. Frisell.

[@DavidDawson33]

Such beautiful performances of each song. Very few artists are able to cultivate an original voice. I've always experienced Mr. Frisell as one of those artists that takes us out of our ordinary mindset and touches us in places that we may not have known were there. Thank you NPR for sharing that with us.

[@paul-singhgurth1599]

I remember when I was in my 20s( Im 50 now) I discovered him and fell in love with everything he did. I loved that warbling sound he gets, and it took me forever to realize he is bending the neck. Such a huge influence on my playing. A true poet of sound.

[@barrieglenn8353]

I love Bills playing, so laid back and intricately simple, could listen to him for hours. Thanks.

[@monkeyxx]

I do listen to him play for hours, LOL

[@sighteternal497]

Wow, so incredibly creative, that work on Strawberry Fields, just gives me goosebumps.

[@lv1023]

What a wonderful perspective of these songs.

[@KenChawkin]

A masterful musician-magician!! His interpretation of The Beatles music is unique and beautiful!

[@pianonight]

Fantastic! Captures the songs' essence so well and through a surprisingly effective jazz interpretation.Takes me back to when I first experienced these formative pieces that had such an impact on me, and I love the intimate performance. Great sounds from that guitar. Warm soulful, heartfelt, and really moving. BRAVO!

[@LadyCroMag]

I remember stumbling upon this guy’s beautiful performances a while ago, but never forgot them, and with a little digging, I embrace their simple beauty!!!

[@victorteran559]

I saw this video years ago, and I had completely forgot his name or that it was a part of npr. i spent more time searching for this than Id like to admit. I ran into this by chance today. I'd say today turned out pretty good.

[@JP-rr5zg]

He's just got that incredible touch and sensitivity that humbles all the choppers to ground.

[@lasdudas9210]

You can tell how passionate he is just by listening to him. I love Bill. :)

[@paulmoss4402]

Goosebumps. I'm so stoked. Going to see him in January.

[@danielrust7838]

Simply an amazing performance. Bill is able to convey the essence of Lennon's music...the charm and nuances that made Lennon's music 'his own' is very apparent; it has been perfectly enhanced by Bill's interpretation. I know John is enjoying listening to Bill's discovery of his music.

[@Dagger1960]

Stunning! Guitar virtuoso, nothing short of it. I just had found this guy recently on a second hand CD and I have just been enthralled by his playing but, this was a whole other level! Gorgeous and from the heart. Dude handles modern day gismos VERY well for his age! Another stellar Tiny Desk!

[@TheRuben1954a]

Love your style make my soul happy thanks Bill

[@mcrestwood7378]

ok, I love Bill Frisell.drawn to his thing like a moth to a flame,,such imagination and lyricism,,,the vibe is contagious(pure joy!!!!)plus he is obviously a guitar nerd,yep me tooooooo!!!!!

[@rocketpost1]

Absolute magic. I was just mesmerised by one man and his guitar. Strawberry Fields was perfection and shows what can be done with a great melody. You've got to love Bill Frisell and his unique style. I'd also love to hear him play with Julian Lage who is another free spirit.

[@ax_el_alvarez]

How honest this man is, goes further than music, he's being himslef...

[@MissNatalonga]

:)

[@morningdottimesthree]

Mr. Nicholas Himslef

[@Bix12]

I discovered Bill in about the mid-80's...he has mellowed a bit, and grown quite a bit. He's probably the most expressive guitarist I've heard....and such a golden touch.

[@stefanobonoli8783]

What a man, what a person, what a musician! I love you Bill!

[@_FedericoRodriguezBalam_]

This guy is simply amazing.

[@MyJ2B]

Such an original interpretation and solo guitar performance on Beatles tunes with a "twist" and different musical landscape. Literally wonderful !

[@missopowers]

One of those exceptional, rare guitarists that one recognizes within a few notes. Truly outstanding.

[@teletdf]

In My Life: the gentle presses on the pick guard to help bend the neck for an oh-so-gentle waver. Brilliant.

[@photonotavailable7936]

Wow, I love this. Of all the Tiny Desk Concerts I've heard this is my fave. Phew, mesmerizing.

[@2112CO]

I saw Bill at Boulder Theater this summer and it changed the way I will watch and listen to other players form that day on. What an unbelievable soul!

[@blakeowens9457]

That's a fortunate group of people who got to witness this in person! Quite amazing!

[@tatialo37]

A master of the guitar! I'm without words.... beautiful!

[@petekay67]

This takes me back to the Melbourne Jazz Festival a few years ago where I sat 10 feet from Bill in a masterclass. Got to shake hands with him afterwards. Never really needed a bucket list after that :) Hands up everyone who was singing along with the music!

[@d1i2a3n4n5e6]

yep my bucket list was filled 3 amazing times.. including an autograph on my folk songs cd.

[@DanolsPlaysGuitar]

The great Bill Frisell ! A solo concert, this is so cool!

[@kallyjazz]

Thank you endlessly for this one. Nothing like that Bill Frisell magic!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I recognize this guy's musical landscape, it is like visiting a favorite part of the countryside, I produced a version of Nowhere man it is a superb song. Thanks Bill, you play so well.

[@24zex]

Bill has such an amazing sense of dynamics and space. It's easy for guitarists, especially in jazz, to fall into the trap of endless 8th or 16th notes at the exact same dynamic level, but there's something much more profound and musically mature about this.

[@monkeyxx]

he's the yin and metheny is the yang

[@24zex]

@@monkeyxx yeah pretty much!

[@56conn6h]

So musical. Thanks for posting this!

[@RobtSc]

This is so good. Thank you for making it available.

[@DavidMGarens]

Incredible work. I have been a Frisell fan for many years, he just keeps getting better all the time . . .

[@00RV00]

His right hand is pure magic. Kudos to the director for closing in on it during the first song.

[@unamacarana]

The Voice of Nature Speaks Through Bill Frisell - Plain and Simple

[@anakatamadze]

Great sound. A truly humble person!

[@MahasukhaBliss]

Absolute genius. A magician. That ending of Strawberry Fields- OMG! Just incredible 🙏 ❤

[@bigred1222]

He may be the best guitarist most have never heard of

[@Ozoneum1]

Now this is quite nice. I've always loved Bill Frisell's sound on recordings, but I've been having a hard time finding a video that does justice to it. But then this makes me think, his music is really listening music. There's a lot of subtlety and understatement in the music that is not so easy to focus on when watching him play. Way to go Bill! Thank you for all the great sound over the years.

[@extraplush]

A master. He is in his own space. Truly a musician beyond compare.

[@rhododendrons_509]

I'm glad these masters of the craft take the time to play 'popular' songs on occasion. It's a real tribute in so many ways

[@michaelb59]

This is absolutely great ! Thanks !!

[@samuelmosessegal]

Thank you Mr. Frisell, Very Nice! 🙏🙏

[@josverwiel]

This man is a GENIUS on the strings!

[@AffectiveApe]

Somehow had missed this mans music until now. Thanks for the reveal.

[@JoaquinRamirez]

Sound is amazing!

[@nizodizo9549]

This is beautiful man just beautiful.

[@darknessdrugslies]

Gran directo , Bill Frisell, veterano y gran guitarrista del mejor Jazz! Gran sonido, grandes "solos".!! Muchas gracias NPR & Bill Frisell , por estas grandes vibraciones!! Saludos! Rafa desde España

[@sbingham1979]

So freaking beautiful.

[@maazvdo]

Wonder ! Thanks for posting, NPR Music .

[@johnlee1948]

what a time travel, simply amazing

[@alfonsoegarcia]

from time to time I come back to this video FLAWLESS

[@waxcritic]

Awesome Nowhere Man. Bill's style and phrasing is so amazing. Just something about the way that he plays. Haunting.

[@anodyne57]

I was a passenger on the "Bill Bus" in Seattle beginning in the early 90's when he had just arrived in town. His sounds have been lodged in my soul ever since, and evermore, I trust. I'm thankful to the gods of synchronicity that he ended up in my corner of the planet when he did.

[@andreplaysguitarra]

that strawberry fields arrangement was just amazing. Great concert.

[@eroj2003]

entrañable, maravillosa interpretación, precioso Bill Frisell-Lennon...

[@seanicusvideo]

so nice -- the reverse looping, etc. amazing bonus

[@NBSStudioMusic]

AMAZING ! Spiritual teacher just from listening to his soul going out from his fingers, thanks !