Fred Frith, the avant-garde virtuoso, returns with "Fifty," a captivating exploration of sound and improvisation set to release on February 16, 2024, under Week-End Records. This 37-minute journey through experimental landscapes blends the raw energy of free jazz, the intricate rhythms of tango, and the boundless creativity of avant-garde and experimental music. Frith's masterful composition and performance skills are on full display across the album's twelve tracks, each offering a unique sonic experience.
From the haunting melodies of "Dawns" to the rhythmic complexity of "Locomoting," Frith weaves a tapestry of sound that challenges and delights the ear. Tracks like "Quicksilver (for Simone)" and "Unterwegs (for Roman)" pay homage to personal connections, adding a layer of intimacy to the album's experimental edge. The title "Fifty" might suggest a milestone, but the music within is anything but ordinary. Whether you're a longtime fan of Frith's work or new to his genre-defying style, "Fifty" promises an engaging and thought-provoking listen.