| Before We Were Born | |
| Type: | Album |
| Artist: | Bill Frisell |
| Cover: | Before We Were Born.jpg |
| Border: | yes |
| Released: | 1989 |
| Recorded: | August–September 1988 |
| Genre: | Jazz, post-bop, downtown music |
| Length: | 49:33 |
| Label: | Elektra/Musician |
| Producer: | Lee Townsend |
| Prev Title: | Lookout for Hope |
| Prev Year: | 1988 |
| Next Title: | Is That You? |
| Next Year: | 1990 |
Before We Were Born is the first album by Bill Frisell to be released on the Elektra Nonesuch label. It was released in 1989 and features performances by Frisell, cellist Hank Roberts, bassist Kermit Driscoll and drummer Joey Baron. Guests include guitarist Arto Lindsay, keyboardist Peter Scherer, alto saxophonist Julius Hemphill and baritone saxophonist Doug Wieselman.[1]
The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow stated: "Bill Frisell has been one of the most unique jazz-based guitarists of the 1980s and '90s, a very eclectic player who can switch styles and sounds on a moment's notice, yet is always quite distinctive. On this atmospheric and picturesque set, Frisell uses his regular quartet of the time (cellist Hank Roberts, bassist Kermit Driscoll and drummer Joey Baron) on some selections, but also interacts with fellow guitarist Arto Lindsay, keyboardist Peter Scherer and, on "Some Song and Dance," baritonist Doug Wieselman and both Julius Hemphill and Billy Drewes on altos... A very intriguing and colorful set of eccentric music. ".[2]
All songs composed by Bill Frisell except as noted.