Record Reviews

BILL EVANS ~ ALBUM (EXPANDED EDITION) COLUMBIA 64963 (Barcode: 5099706496328) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 1996 The history of jazz is crowned by a small pantheon of stellar figures, which are (more or less) unequivocally accepted as the most prominent contributors to the development of the genre. Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist are members of that exclusive club and so is Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, the most influential jazz pianist ever. Since Evans’ biography is available from many sources, I won’t go into it here, so here are just a few personal comments: Although Evens played in a variety of settings, he surely deserves the title of inventor of the piano trio, a format in which most of his exceptional work was done. Over the years Evans led a series of legendary trios with the most eloquent bass and drums players, primarily noticeable for the phenomenal and telepathic level of interplay between the trio members. His (fortunately) numerable trio recordings are not only a document of his exceptional sensibility and lyricism as a player and composer, but also cornerstones of musical collaboration. Starting from the first trio (1959) with Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist and Paul MotianFind albums by this artist and up to the last moments of his life (1980) with Marc JohnsonFind albums by this artist and Joe LaBarberaFind albums by this artist, the trio recording have always been the safest bets on musical delight one might ever take when buying a jazz album. This particular album, recorded with legends Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist on bass and Marty MorellFind albums by this artist on drums, is very important in Evans’ history. It includes his first contributions on the electric piano (a custom-made version of the Fender Rhodes), which he will explore more extensively later in his career. It also includes exclusively his own compositions, as opposed to his treatments of jazz standards, which were earlier the bulk of his recording material. This was the first of the only two albums Evans recorded for ColumbiaFind albums on this label – the other (“Living Time”) still awaiting a proper reissue. I can’t imagine anybody who loves jazz (or in fact anybody who loves music) ignoring this album, so if you still don’t have it – now is your chance. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 01/03/2024Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ BEHIND THE DIKES: THE 1969 NETHERLANDS RECORDINGS ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990441 (Barcode: 8435395503164) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2021 This is an archival live album by American pianist / composer Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded in March, 1969 at the KRO Radio station in Hilversum and RAI Congrescentrum in Amsterdam. Two newly discovered tracks were recorded at Vara Studio 8 in Hilversum with the Metropole OrkestFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-four tracks, six of which are original compositions by Evans and the rest are standards. This particular Bill Evans trio was the longest lasting of his trios (1968-1974) and his collaboration with Gomez (1968-1977) was the longest lasting cooperation with a bassist, and this album, recorded about a year after this trio was formed, explains why it lasted so long. The telepathic rapport between the trio members is absolutely unique and the way they share the stage is absolutely beyond human. The remastered recording offers excellent sound quality, with an intimate closeness to the original sound and good balance between the piano and rhythm section, which is often totally botched by professionals recording live, especially piano trios. Gomez solos extensively, and his virtuosic and unique approach is audible herein at its full magnificence. The album includes an extensive booklet with fabulous photographs, well written articles and interviews with Gomez, Morell and others. Overall, this is another archival Bill Evans album label, which brings to life previously legally unreleased recordings by the piano Genius, which of course immediately becomes an essential piece of every Evans’ collector music library. Although the same tunes are already available on other albums, live and studio, Evan’s touch and the trio’s symbiosis are worth being listened to in every possible shape and form.

Updated: 29/03/2024Posted: 29/03/2024

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ EVANS IN ENGLAND RESONANCE 2037 (Barcode: 712758040329) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2019 This is an archival live album by American pianist / composer Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded illegally in December, 1969 at the Ronnie Scott’s Club in London by a French fan who followed Evans to attend all his European concerts and record them on a mobile tape recorder. The 2CD album presents eighteen tracks, six of which are original compositions by Evans and the rest are standards. This particular Bill Evans trio was the longest lasting of his trios (1968-1974) and his collaboration with Gomez (1968-1977) was the longest lasting cooperation with a bassist, and this album, recorded about a year after this trio was formed, explains why it lasted so long. The telepathic rapport between the trio members is absolutely unique and the way they share the stage is absolutely beyond human. Despite the fact that the music was recorded using a single microphone, the sound quality is perfect as far as live recordings are concerned, with an intimate closeness to the source and good balance between the piano and the bass, which is often totally botched by professionals recording live, especially piano trios. As it turns out it was absolutely worth the fifty years’ wait to be able to hear these recordings. Overall, this is another archival Bill Evans albums released by the ResonanceFind albums on this label label, which brings to life previously unreleased recordings by the piano Genius, which of course immediately becomes an essential piece of every Evans’ collector music library. Although the same tunes are already available on other albums, live and studio, Evan’s touch and the trio’s symbiosis are worth being listened to in every possible shape and form.

Updated: 02/06/2023Posted: 02/06/2023

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

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 ~ IN NORWAY: THE KONGSBERG CONCERT ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990447 (Barcode: 8435395503935) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2024 This is another archival live album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, recorded on June 26, 1970, at the peak of Evans’ creative power. It features, as usual, an extended booklet with interview with Evans by Norwegian journalist / critic Randi HultinFind albums by this artist the day after the concert, reflections by Gomez, Morell and others, superb historic photographs 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 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. These recordings, 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: 05/01/2025Posted: 05/01/2025

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ LIVE AT ART D`LUGOFF`S TOP OF THE GATE RESONANCE 2012 (Barcode: 724101961526) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2012 This is another archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents two full sets played at that date, together seventeen tracks, recorded on October 23, 1968, at the peak of Evans’ creative power. Three of the performed compositions appear in both sets. All the tracks are standards, except for one original composition by Evans. As usual the album features an extended booklet with essays, superb historic photographs and other background information. The album offers absolutely brilliant sound recording quality, with every little nuance perfectly audible, which of course adds to 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. These recordings, 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, covering his early dates with the Gomez / Morell trio. 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: 15/06/2024Posted: 15/06/2024

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ MORNING GLORY: THE 1973 CONCERT AT THE TEATRO GRAN REX, BUENOS AIRES RESONANCE 2061 (Barcode: 617270122761) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2022 This is another archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents thirteen tracks, recorded on June 24, 1973, at the peak of Evans’ creative power. This album is a companion release to the album “Inner Spirit: The 1979 Concert At The Teatro General San Martin, Buenos AiresFind albums with this title”, which was recorded six years later with the last trio. It also features an extended booklet with interviews with Gomez, Morell and others, superb historic photographs 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 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. These recordings, 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, covering his live appearances in Argentina. 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: 08/05/2024Posted: 08/05/2024

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ SYMBIOSIS MPS 4029759115489 (Barcode: 4029759115489) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of the seminal album by American pianist / composer Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, which was his only album for MPSFind albums on this label, recorded with his trio featuring bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist and accompanied by an Orchestra conducted by the legendary German composer / arranger / conductor Claus OgermanFind albums by this artist, who also composed and arranged the two-movement concerto performed by the trio and the Orchestra. The Orchestra included members of the New York PhilharmonicFind albums by this artist and many top American Jazz musicians, like saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, flautist Hubert LawsFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Marvin StammFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is a sensational example of early Jazz-Classical Fusion, combining elements of Twentieth Century European Classical Music and Jazz, masterly composed and arranged by Ogerman, who was one of the greatest orchestrators of his time and who boldly combined Classical music with Rock, World Music and Jazz, like no others before him and was revered by many musicians and music lovers around the world. Evans, who was the greatest Jazz piano player ever, was a natural choice to become a part of this cross-genre project, as his enormous sensitivity and sublime virtuosity was always soaked with typical European melancholy and harmonic structures. His performances on this album, which is by far his most atypical recording, prove that his open-mindedness and vision allowed him to cope effortlessly with the unusual orchestral ambience this music required of him. His acoustic and electric piano sounds perfectly right every time it is heard on this album, creating an integral part of the overall orchestral reverberation. The magnificent bass playing by Gomez is always side by side with Evans, who is known to have developed symbiotic relationships with his bassist over the years. Morell keeps a wonderfully precise and delicate time during the trio parts, as he always did with Evans. Since this was the Evans´ longest-lasting and most stable trio, no wonder their performances together are simply marvelous. This awe-inspiring album lost absolutely nothing of its intrinsic beauty and expressiveness over the time, au contraire it still remains as one of the most perfect Jazz-Classical Fusion recordings ever, certainly as far as aesthetics, intelligence, sophistication and inspiration are concerned. Although probably Evans´ least know album, surely in America, it is definitely one of his most auspicious achievements, certainly more important from the historic point of view than his less ambitious, albeit always brilliant, albums recorded for the American market. This is an absolute gem and an essential piece of every decent collection of good music. It is certainly wonderful to have it back in circulation. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted: 30/11/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

BILL EVANS ~ TALES: LIVE IN COPENHAGEN (1964) ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990445 (Barcode: 8435395503751) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1969 Released: 2023 This is another archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio setting with bassist Chuck IsraelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Larry BunkerFind albums by this artist during Evans’ first European tour. The album presents eleven tracks, six recorded on August 10, 1964 at Danish Radio (without audience), four recorded on August 25, 1964 at Danish TV and finally one (“bonus”) track recorded on November 21, 1969 with bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist. Three of the tracks are Evans’ originals and the rest are standards. This album is a follow up release to the 2CD album “Treasures: Solo, Trio And Orchestral Recordings From Denmark (1965-1969)Find albums with this title”, which presents other recording by Evans in Denmark, and which completes these historical recordings. It also features an extended booklet with interviews with Israels and Bunker’s widow and other background information. The album offers absolutely brilliant sound recording quality, with every little nuance perfectly audible, which of course adds to 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. 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: 23/02/2024Posted: 26/01/2024

CD 1 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

KENNY WHEELER ~ 1976 JUST A MEMORY 9506 (Barcode: 068944950621) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 1996 This is a reissue of a relatively obscure album by British Jazz trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with Canadian saxophonist Art EllefsonFind albums by this artist, pianist Gary WilliamsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Dave YoungFind albums by this artist and American drummer Marty MorellFind albums by this artist (of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist’ fame). The music was recorded by a Canadian Radio station and originally released by the radio’s label, remaining almost completely “buried”. The album presents six tracks, four of which are original compositions by Wheeler, and one each are by Morell and Ellefson. The music is, not surprisingly, absolutely fabulous, with a modern sound emphasized by the presence of electric piano, which adds a slight Fusiony kick. The quintet members are all highly proficient musicians, who play with confidence and obvious affinity. The entire session has a distinct British Jazz tinge, despite the fact that Wheeler is the only British connection, but his presence and compositions have a dominant influence on the entire proceedings. The music is highly melodic, with the specific Wheeler’s romanticism prevailing, and the quintet follows his lead amicably. Wheeler delivers some divine soloing, which is heart melting, as usual, and the album is definitely as good as all the material Wheeler recorded in UK and Europe at the time. Overall, this is a brilliant document of Wheeler’s artistry, which is in very sense as good as his celebrated European recordings done at the time. It is of course an absolute must for all Wheeler enthusiasts / collectors and deserves an honorable place in every serious British Jazz record collection.

Updated: 24/04/2023Posted: 24/04/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend