Honey on Bill Frisell's "All We Are Saying"

I enjoy this album more every time I listen to it. At first blush, yes, these covers come off as straightforward, faithful instrumental versions of Lennon's songs, to such a level of impeccability that no fan of Lennon or the Beatles could possibly find fault with them. The overall vibe is mellow and traditional -- it's certainly the kind of album you could put on in the background of a dinner party with no complaints.

Repeat listenings, however, reveal a second layer, a brilliant jazz sleight-of-hand going on right under your nose, with Frisell treating the songs like jazz standards, playing the melodies through once and then letting the other instruments take over while he lays down his own uniquely subtle-yet-virtuostic through-composed parts over the changes.

Lap steel guitarist Greg Leisz also really shines and perhaps even deserves billing on the cover. "Mother" really rocks, and if "In My Life" doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you have no soul.