Before We Were Born


Before We Were Born is the first album by Bill Frisell to be released on the Elektra Nonesuch label. It was released in 1989 and features performances by Frisell, Hank Roberts, Kermit Driscoll, and Joey Baron with guest appearances by Arto Lindsay, Peter Scherer, Julius Hemphill, Billy Drewes, Doug Wieselman, and Cyro Baptista.

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 3½ stars, stating, "Bill Frisell has been one of the most unique jazz-based guitarists of the 1980s and '90s, a very eclectic player who can switch styles and sounds on a moment's notice, yet is always quite distinctive. On this atmospheric and picturesque set, Frisell uses his regular quartet of the time on some selections, but also interacts with fellow guitarist Arto Lindsay, keyboardist Peter Scherer and, on "Some Song and Dance," baritonist Doug Wieselman and both Julius Hemphill and Billy Drewes on altos... A very intriguing and colorful set of eccentric music. ".

Track listing

All songs composed by Bill Frisell except as noted.
  1. "Before We Were Born" – 6:51
  2. "Some Song and Dance: Freddy's Step" – 3:06
  3. "Some Song and Dance: Love Motel" – 6:49
  4. "Some Song and Dance: Pip, Squeak" – 5:28
  5. "Some Song and Dance: Goodbye" – 1:43
  6. "Hard Plains Drifter" – 13:24
  7. "The Lone Ranger" – 7:34
  8. "Steady, Girl" – 2:10

    Personnel

;Arrangement
;Production