When a guitarist incorporates American roots music, like blues and country, into an improvisational and/or jazz context, Bill Frisell is the elephant in the room. Anthony Pirog makes no bones about the fact that Frisell is a major influence, but deriving equal inspiration from the likes of Danny Gatton and Nels Cline has led Pirog to develop his own take on the music. After achieving some notoriety in the duo Janel and Anthony, Palo Colorado Dream, recorded with Michael Formanek on bass and Ches Smith) on drums marks Pirog’s debut as a solo artist. It also marks his entry into the growing pantheon of modern guitar heroes.

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