Drummer

If one were to draw up a list of the most influential jazz guitarists of the past fifty years, there is no doubt that Bill Frisell would rank near the top, somewhere between his colleagues Pat Metheny and John Scofield. This rare visit to Montpellier already promises to be an event! Jazz guitarist? The label is perhaps a bit narrow for this gentle dreamer of the six-string, who over his career has collaborated with personalities as diverse as Paul Motian, John Zorn and Elvis Costello, while recording with stars of the caliber of Norah Jones, Paul Simon and Robert Plant. Deeply rooted in the soil of Americana, his music embraces country, blues, folk, gospel and rock 'n' roll all at once, in a highly personal synthesis free of any cliché. Accompanied by his faithful trio and by New Orleans saxophonist and clarinetist Greg Tardy as special guest, this marvelous storyteller of musical tales promises to take us on a long dreamlike journey, of disquieting and timeless beauty.

Bill Frisell Trio + Greg Tardy

Théâtre de l'Agora

Bill Frisell‘s Trio featuring bassist Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston on drums is musically nimble enough to go anywhere with Frisell in the most spontaneous manner. They have a command of the sizable oeuvre of Frisell compositions, as well as the popular, folk and standard songs that Bill enjoys interpreting on an ongoing basis. The Trio’s method is interactive, conversational and ready to groove at any moment, yielding fresh and surprising performances at every stop along the way.

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Bill Frisell Trio

Cadogan Hall 

Jazz leader Rudresh Mahanthappa presents Hero Trio, a performance drawing from his most recent album of original arrangements by artists who have inspired his career, including Charlie Parker, Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Keith Jarret, among others. This varied group mirrors Mahanthappa’s own commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and the diverse range of styles he draws from, including classic bebop, electric fusion, and Carnatic music. His characteristically original interpretations are played by himself and his longtime associates François Moutin on bass and Rudy Royston on drums.

Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Hero Trio and For Living Lovers

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Hailed as one of today’s premier jazz voices, alto-saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa returns with his longtime collaborators François Moutin on bass and Rudy Royston on drums, with music that pays tribute to his greatest influences. From the iconic sounds of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane to the soulful melodies of Stevie Wonder and Johnny Cash, Mahanthappa's musical style blends a profound appreciation of the past with the vibrant rhythms of the present.

Rudresh Mahanthappa Hero Trio

Columbia University

Bill Frisell’s career as a guitarist and composer has spanned more than 40 years and many celebrated recordings, whose catalog has been cited by Downbeat as "the best recorded output of the decade."

Bill Frisell | In My Dreams

BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity

Bill Frisell, a highly regarded guitarist and composer with over four decades of experience, boasts a distinguished discography lauded by Downbeat magazine and has recently collaborated with the Blue Note label on acclaimed albums like HARMONY, Valentine, and FOUR. His ability to infuse complex concepts into accessible musical packages and his talent for improvisation have earned him accolades, including programming opportunities such as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Roots of Americana series. Recognized as one of America’s 21 most vital performing artists, Frisell has received grants from prestigious organizations like United States Artists and Meet the Composer and was named an inaugural Doris Duke Artist in 2012. His trio featuring bassist Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston also showcases remarkable musical agility, effortlessly navigating Frisell’s extensive repertoire and delivering fresh and captivating performances characterized by interactive and conversational improvisations.

Bill Frisell Trio Featuring Thomas Morgan & Rudy Royston

Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

“An excellent pianist, prizing feel over flash” (JazzWise), instrumentalist and composer Lisa Hilton is a major voice in jazz whose career is an inspirational lesson in pursuing one’s dream. She brings her all-star quartet to this JHL date, performing music from her 2022 Ruby Slipper release Paradise Cove.



Lisa Hilton Quartet

SFJAZZ Center

Sebastián de Urquiza

Room 623

WORDS ON FIVE FROM BILL:
I’ve been dreaming of this for a long long time.
Kenny Wollesen, Tony Scherr, and I have a long long history playing as a trio.
Rudy Royston, Thomas Morgan, and I have a long long history playing as a trio.
I’ve played trio with Rudy and Tony.
I’ve played trio with Kenny and Thomas.
I’ve played duets with all of them.
They are my friends, my teachers, my heroes. Every moment a joy and inspiration.

Bill Frisell FIVE

Count Basie Center for the Arts

A native of Baku, Azerbaijan, Amina Figarova has risen from her upbringing behind the Iron Curtain to become of the most celebrated pianists and composers on the international jazz scene.

A prodigy who began piano studies at the age of 2, she earned degree in classical piano performance before relocating to Rotterdam and devoting her passions to jazz, eventually landing at Boston’s Berklee College as part of a student exchange program. Combining her classical technique with a love for the music of Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington, Figarova has released over a dozen exquisite sessions, beginning with her 1994 debut album, Attraction.

Drummer

Rudy Royston

Events

Past events

Jul 7, 2026

Bill Frisell Trio + Greg Tardy · Festival Radio France Occitanie Montpellier

Nov 21, 2025

Bill Frisell Trio · Cadogan Hall

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