The acclaimed and creative career of Seattle based guitarist Bill Frisell has been nurtured over the years by his unique incorporations of musical influences and his persistent album releases. As an electric guitar player, Frisell frequently treads the line between jazz and rock, falling someplace between Robert Fripp and Pat Metheny. However, finding a distinct umbrella category for Frisell doesn’t do the creativity and originality of his music any justice.

Still in the prime of his accomplished career of over 30 years, Frisell brings two nights of progressive creativity in a two-night program titled “For Portland Only.” Frisell will perform in four divergent settings, the first evening, paying tribute to the works of pedal steel guitarist, Wesley Webb “Speedy” West and guitarist, fiddle player and producer, Jimmy Bryant as well as pop icon John Lennon. His second evening, in the Newmark Theatre, will turn to the ethereal, boasting his classically sublime 858 Quartet and a captivating solo opening set.

“It’s hard to find a more fruitful meditation on American music than in the compositions of guitarist Bill Frisell.” – The New York Times

For more information about the 2012 Portland Jazz Festival, please visit www.pdxjazz.com.

Tickets available at the PCPA Box office (1111 SW Broadway, open M-SA 10-5), Ticketmaster (800-745-3000, outlets, online link above), and PDX Jazz (133 SW 2nd Ave. Ste. 240, open M-F 2-5:30).

Bill Frisell will have a Jazz Conversation with Robert Baird at the ArtBar (inside PCPA's Antoinette Hatfield Hall at 1111 SW Broadway) on Saturday, February 25 at 12:30pm, free.