"Eleventh Hour" is a sprawling, ambitious double album by the innovative guitarist and composer Fred Frith, released on February 21, 2005, via Winter & Winter. Collaborating with the Arditti String Quartet, Uwe Dierksen, and William Winant, Frith delivers a compelling exploration of avant-garde, free jazz, experimental, and even tango influences, all wrapped into a cohesive and captivating musical journey.
Spanning a generous 100 minutes across 19 tracks, "Eleventh Hour" is divided into three main suites: "Lelekovice," "Tense Serenity," and "Allegory," each broken down into multiple parts. These suites showcase Frith's distinctive guitar work and the Arditti String Quartet's virtuosity, pushing the boundaries of traditional string quartet and guitar collaborations. The album also features the standalone pieces "Stick Figures" and "Fell," further highlighting the diverse range of styles and textures explored within.
Fred Frith's unique approach to composition and performance is evident throughout "Eleventh Hour." His ability to blend disparate musical elements into a cohesive whole is a testament to his status as a pioneering figure in experimental music. The album is a captivating listen from start to finish, offering a rich and rewarding experience for fans of innovative and boundary-pushing music.
Vinylscout