The Westerlies – Have You Heard: The Music of Bill Frisell, Vol. 1 (2026)

In 2026, The Westerlies, a contemporary brass ensemble known for their innovative jazz interpretations, released an album that reexamines the work of Bill Frisell from a fresh vantage point. Departing from the common emphasis on Frisell’s distinctive guitar technique, the group placed the spotlight on his abilities as a composer, offering listeners a new way to appreciate the artist’s extensive musical contributions.

Bill Frisell has long been celebrated for his exceptional guitar skills, which have shaped his identity within the jazz and experimental music scenes. However, The Westerlies’ latest project challenges the tendency to primarily associate Frisell with his instrumental prowess. Instead, it positions his compositions as standalone works of art deserving of focused attention and reinterpretation.

The album, titled "Have You Heard: The Music of Bill Frisell, Vol. 1," marks the first volume in what appears to be a dedicated series exploring Frisell’s catalog through the lens of brass arrangements. This initiative not only broadens the sonic palette associated with Frisell’s music but also highlights the structural complexity and melodic richness inherent in his writing.

Riley Mulherkar, the trumpeter for The Westerlies, has articulated a key insight driving this project. He suggests that Frisell's virtuosic command of the guitar may have inadvertently overshadowed his identity as a composer. This perspective underpins the album’s conceptual framework, aiming to bring Frisell’s songwriting into sharper relief by stripping away the instrument-specific context.

While details about the full tracklist and arrangement approach remain limited, the project signals an important shift in recognizing the multifaceted nature of Frisell’s artistry. The Westerlies’ decision to reinterpret his work through brass instrumentation opens fresh avenues for both jazz enthusiasts and newcomers to engage with his music.

This release also contributes to broader conversations within jazz about the roles of composition and performance. By foregrounding the compositional elements in Frisell’s oeuvre, The Westerlies invite a reevaluation of how musicianship is assessed and celebrated, especially when an artist’s technical skills might dominate public perception.

The album’s release promises to extend Frisell’s influence into new musical territories and audiences, demonstrating the adaptability and enduring relevance of his compositions. It also reinforces The Westerlies’ reputation as musicians committed to innovation and thoughtful reinterpretation within the jazz genre.

At present, further information on subsequent volumes or related projects from The Westerlies has not been disclosed. Nonetheless, "Have You Heard: The Music of Bill Frisell, Vol. 1" stands as a compelling testament to the depth of Frisell’s songwriting and the creative possibilities that arise when artists revisit familiar works through novel perspectives.