Former Naked City guitarist Bill Frisell now has his own quartet together, and like most composers he's earning the bread and butter by writing film scores. In his latest self-titled CD, six tracks were written for the animated special for Gary Larson's The Far Side, two tracks are from the Italian film "La Scuola," and another two are for the Buster Keaton film "Convict 13."With constant references to the farm life of Larson's cartoons Frisell provides a background ambiance that's both modern and homey. None of the eclectic genre jumping and hysterical screeching of Naked City can be found here. Without a bit of condescension, because it's one of the first records of its kind, I have to say this is truly avant-garde background music. (A far less bouncy Esquivel for the late 90's). It's a slick modern sound that nudges you with a light tune and an esoteric jumble when you're not paying attention. Impress your friends at dinner sometime.