Jazz / Modal Music; Standards; Ballads; Cool
Recorded: Mar 1966-Jan 26, 1975, Village Vanguard, New York, New York
Bill Evans forever changed the way that chords are voiced on the piano, and his frequently telepathic interplay with his sidemen in his trios remains a very influential force long after his 1980 death. Evans recorded frequently during his career, with many classic albums cut for Riverside and Fantasy (all of which have been made available on CD); but none of the music on this remarkable eight-CD set has been released before. Recorded in secret by a devoted fan (Mike Harris) at the Village Vanguard and now put out in this magnificent box with the approval of the Evans estate, these 104 performances feature Bill Evans at his very best, sounding both relaxed and explorative while playing before attentive audiences. With Eddie Gomez or Teddy Kotick on bass and such drummers as Arnie Wise, Joe Hunt, Philly Joe Jones, Jack DeJohnette, John Dentz, Marty Morell, and Eliot Zigmund, Evans is heard on 26 occasions during the 1966-75 period, mixing together fresh versions of familiar songs with some selections that he performed much less often. The recording quality is quite good and the playing is consistently inspired and full of subtle surprises.
Includes liner notes by Orrin Keepnews and Doug Ramsey.
Disc 1: 72:04 min. Disc 2: 69:26 min. Disc 3: 68:39 min. Disc 4: 70:38 min. Disc 5: 67:43 min. Disc 6: 68:57 min. Disc 7: 71:17 min. Disc 8: 67:13 min.
Bill Evans - piano Teddy Kotick - bass Eddie Gomez - bass Arnie Wise - drums Joe Hunt - drums Philly Joe Jones - drums Jack DeJohnette - drums John Dentz - drums Marty Morell - drums Eliot Zigmund - drums |