The CD The Compass, Log and Lead is a feast of string instruments: Fred Frith paints wonderful colors on his acoustic guitar, Carla Kihlstedt (USA) plays violin and the nyckelharpa, a Swedish folk instrument, and Steve Wishart (Australia) has turned the hurdy-gurdy into a modern instrument. For one of Fred Frith’s strengths has always been to tie together unbelievably beautiful folk harmonies with free improvisation, something already heard in his band Skeleton Crew or in the soundtrack to the film Step Across the Border. This is also a strength of this trio.

Engineer: Myles Boisen, John Finkbeiner

Cover Art: Carla Kihlstedt
Graphic Design: Fabrizio Gilardino
Liner Notes: Fred Frith
Photo: Francesca Pfeffer

Improvised in October, 2003 at New Improvised Recording, Oakland. Mastering and final edit: 2005, Oakland, USA. Produced and published by Intakt Records. Executive production: Fredi Bosshard, Patrik Landolt