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Composer/Author, Composer

Leslie Bricusse

1931 — 2021

Exploring the World of Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan's "Small Town"

Experience the captivating world of Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan's "Small Town," a live masterpiece performed at the Village Vanguard in New York City in 2016. This album is an intriguing testament to the duo's exceptional talent and unique sound. With its dreamy melodies and suspenseful improvisation, "Small Town" encapsulates the true essence of jazz.

Drawing influences from diverse genres, Bill Frisell, a revered guitarist, demonstrates his knack for bringing out unprecedented textures from his instrument. On the other hand, Thomas Morgan, a respected bass player, provides the rhythmic foundation that holds together the complex tunes. Their unique synergy creates a truly atmospheric aura in each performance.

The Artists and Their Craft

Both Frisell and Morgan are renowned for their extraordinary skills and ability to convey narrative through improvised music. In "Small Town," listeners get a glimpse of an intimate dialogue orchestrated with their instruments, offering a delightful and captivating ambiance.

Their innovative, abstract expression of life experiences and perceptions of the world leaves a lingering impact echoing deep within one's soul. It's a definite must-listen for all jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

The Leslie Bricusse Connection

On "Small Town," the duo covers "Goldfinger," a song composed by John Barry with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the classic James Bond film. This inclusion highlights Bricusse's enduring influence on the jazz and improvisational scene, as contemporary artists continue to reinterpret his works.

Tracklist Highlights

The album blends original compositions with jazz standards and reinterpretations, including "It Should Have Happened A Long Time Ago" (Paul Motian), "Subconscious Lee" (Lee Konitz), "Song For Andrew No. 1" (Bill Frisell), "Small Town" (Bill Frisell), "Goldfinger" (John Barry, Leslie Bricusse), "What A Party" (Dave Bartholomew, Pearl King), "Poet - Pearl" (Frisell, Morgan), and "Wildwood Flower" (Joseph Philbrick Webster, Maud Irving).

The Enigmatic "Epistrophy"

While "Epistrophy (Live At The Village Vanguard, New York, NY / 2016)" is mentioned in the prompt, none of the provided sources indicate that it is linked to either Leslie Bricusse or the "Small Town" album by Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan. "Epistrophy" is a jazz standard composed by Thelonious Monk and Kenny Clarke and does not involve Bricusse.

Embark on the Journey

Join this mesmerizing musical journey with Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan as they paint a breathtaking narrative through their spontaneous performance. Join STAGE+ and experience the magic, depth, and brilliance of "Small Town."