5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
This Toronto singer-songwriter brings musicians into prisons. Now, a jazz great is coming back for an encore
American jazz guitarist Bill Frisell is one of the gentlest, most soft-spoken musicians you're likely to ever meet, with the demeanour of a Boy Scout. He's never been convicted of a crime. But two years ago, I found myself accompanying him to prison — where he performed for inmates at Collins Bay Institution in Kingston.
Frisell, 74, is an internationally renowned legend, for his solo work, his high-profile jazz collaborations and his association with the likes of Elvis Costello. He has his choice of gigs anywhere in the world. Why would he play one at a penitentiary in Ontario?
Michael Barclay is the author of three books, including 'Hearts on Fire: Six Years That Changed Canadian Music 2000-05.'
