Record Reviews

BILL EVANS ~ FURTHER AHEAD: LIVE IN FINLAND 1964-1969 ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990451 (Barcode: 8435395504659) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1969 Released: 2025 This is another archival live album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded on three different occasions during his concerts in Finland with his trio: five tracks with bassist Chuck IsraelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Larry BunkerFind albums by this artist in 1964, three tracks with Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan DawsonFind albums by this artist (and saxophonist Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist on one track) in 1965, on CD1 and nine tracks with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist in 1969 on CD2, altogether seventeen tracks, recorded at the peak of Evans’ creative power. The album features an extended booklet with interviews, essays and superb historic photographs and other background information, as usual with all Elemental MusicFind albums on this label releases. The album offers absolutely brilliant sound recording quality, with every little nuance perfectly audible, which of course adds the pleasure of listening to the music. As usual, the brilliant telepathic communication between the trio members prevails over everything. Evans’ trios were always an exquisite example of collective music creation, and although Evans was at the center of attention, the role of creating the music and the responsibility was equally spread between the trio members, in contrast to the usual leader / sidemen formula. The recordings on CD2, made with his longest lasting trio (six years 1968-1974), show Evans at his best, full of lyricism and sophisticated delicate touch on the keyboard. Gomez’s incredible support on the bass is absolutely stunning, a true soul brother and musical companion to Evans, as is the intricate playing by Morell. Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the Bill Evans recorded legacy. For the many Evans’ followers it is of course a must, and although it does not reveal anything previously not captured on record, it is certainly a superb piece of Jazz history.

Updated: 01/06/2025Posted: 01/06/2025

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ TREASURES: SOLO, TRIO & ORCHESTRA RECORDINGS FROM DENMARK (1965-1969) ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990444 (Barcode: 8435395503645) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1969 Released: 2023 This is another archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded at various occasions in Denmark and including solo piano performances, trios with Danish bassist Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist / American bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Alex RielFind albums by this artist / American drummers Alan DawsonFind albums by this artist or Marty MorellFind albums by this artist and The Royal Danish Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist and The Danish Radio Big BandFind albums by this artist conducted by trumpeter, arranger Palle MikkelborgFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents thirty tracks, recorded between 1965 and 1969. This album is a companion release to the album “Tales: Live In Copenhagen (1964)Find albums with this title”, which presents other performances by Evans in Denmark, and which completes these historical recordings. It also features an extended booklet with interviews with Gomez, Morell, Riel, Mikkelborg and others and other background information. The album offers absolutely brilliant sound recording quality, with every little nuance perfectly audible, which of course adds the pleasure of listening to this album. As usual, the brilliant telepathic communication between the trio members prevails over everything. Evans’ trios were always an exquisite example of collective music creation, and although Evans was at the center of attention, the role of creating the music and the responsibility was equally spread between the trio members, in contrast to the usual leader / sidemen formula. Of course this is also a relatively rare opportunity to hear Evans playing solo piano and the trio playing with Orchestra / Big Band, which expands the presentation of Evans’ brilliance and incredible musicianship. Luckily for the many Evans’ fans, he was extensively recorded and his recorded legacy is truly extensive, with this album being an exemplary part of it. Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the Bill Evans recorded legacy, covering his live appearances in Europe. For the many Evans’ followers it is of course a must, and although it does not reveal anything previously not captured on record, it is certainly a superb piece of Jazz history.

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 23/02/2024

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ADAM MAKOWICZ ~ MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS CONCORD 4631 (Barcode: 4003099805620) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1994 This is an album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio setting with Czech bassist George MrazFind albums by this artist and American drummer Alan DawsonFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album presents eleven tracks, all of which were composed by Richard RodgersFind albums by this artist, one of the most important creators of the American Songbook. Makowicz, who left Poland in 1977 and settled first in the US and later on in Canada, is the only representative of the Polish Jazz scene to achieve a remarkable success in America. He fully embraced the American Jazz aesthetics, concentrating on playing mainstream Jazz, which includes the treasures of the American Jazz standards as well as his own compositions, which are in similar vein. This album presents a set of highly imaginative interpretations of familiar songs by Rodgers, which often deviate quite radically from the originals, but retain the spirit of the compositions, even when the original tempo is significantly changed. Makowicz manages to deploy his entire repertoire of virtuosic tricks of the trade, playing neck-breaking arpeggios and running up and down the keyboard with brilliantly delicate touch. He is splendidly accompanied by the rhythm section, especially closely-knit with Mraz, who is an absolute wizard, and who recorded quite a few other albums with Makowicz over the years, which of course means they communicate almost telepathically. Overall, this is another beautiful album by Makowicz, who in fact never recorded anything below his usual top standard, which offers some challenging and interesting interpretations of familiar material, which might take even the most experienced Jazz listener by surprise. Sadly, both Mraz and Dawson are no longer with us, so this album is a splendid tribute to their talents. Makowicz is alive and kicking, recording and performing actively, to the delight of his numerous fans and followers. This is a true gem, especially to those listeners, who think there is nothing new that can be done with these standards any more.

Updated: 06/07/2024Posted: 06/07/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend