Bill Frisell's groundbreaking solo debut album, "In Line," embodied the emerging generation of guitarists of the time, influenced equally by rock, folk, and jazz, who were moving away from the traditional idiom of jazz guitar. Through his innovative use of vibrato, swelling sounds, and layering of sound, Frisell displayed the hallmarks of his distinctive style. Occasionally, Arild Andersen's bass provides an earthy foundation for the guitar's gliding notes. A contemporary NME review praised how the guitarist "paints a solid portfolio of sketches" on the album, with "reflection and memory entwined around the notes."
