Record Reviews

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