Jazz and some pop artists have gotten a lot of mileage out of re-interpreting classic songs from the past, tapping into movies, Broadway and other sources for a wealth of material, and those re-imaginings are often better than the originals. It’s a time honored tradition and there are many artists who have put their own exquisite stamp on the songs – think Sinatra, Sassy Vaughn, Joe Cocker, and, of late, Van Morrison and even Lady Gaga. Bill Frisell has recorded and performed numerous instrumental versions of such material, with quirky and revelatory improvisations that feature strikingly original interpretations, using the original melody as a jumping-off point and going where no one has dared before. For his 2015 project, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” the extraordinary Petra Hayden added her unearthly vocal talents to the mix and the results are captivating and stunning. The addition has made Frisell’s off-kilter arrangements more grounded and accessible, and even more mesmerizing. Before now, there were times when his wanderings into outer/inner space sometimes caused the listener to forget what song was being deconstructed, and though it didn’t matter – the journey not the origin, it was refreshing to have a stronger reference in the form of lyrics to attach the improvisations to. Four extremely talented musicians creating something wholly new from some pretty well known hits from the American Songbook, continuing and game-changing a long (and occasionally abused) tradition. With Thomas Morgan, bass and Rudy Roysten, drums, at the Lobero Theatre, Jan. 24, 2019.
