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 ~ INNER SPIRIT: THE 1979 CONCERT AT THE TEATRO GENERAL SAN MARTIN, BUENOS AIRES RESONANCE 2062 (Barcode: 617270122808) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2022 This is another archival album by the greatest Jazz pianist of all time, Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded with his last trio with bassist Marc JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe LaBarberaFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents thirteen tracks, recorded on September 27, 1979, almost exactly a year before Evans’ untimely death. This album is a companion release to the album “Morning Glory: The 1973 Concert At The Teatro Gran Rex, Buenos AiresFind albums with this title”, which was recorded six years earlier with a different trio. It also features an extended booklet with interviews with Johnson, LaBarbera 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. These late recordings with his last trio show Evans still at his best, but quite different from his classic earlier recordings, with much more intense and almost “busy” playing, far from the delicate, lyrical performances in his earlier days. Johnson’s incredible support on the bass is absolutely stunning, although again very different from his predecessors in the trio, as is the energetic playing by LaBarbera. 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: 01/03/2024Posted: 01/03/2024

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ UMAI CHALLENGE 70087 (Barcode: 608917008722) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 This is the fourth album by Dutch trumpeter / composer Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Italian bassist Furio Di CastriFind albums by this artist and American drummer Joe LaBarberaFind albums by this artist. It is his second recording with Taylor following the "Bitches And Fairy TalesFind albums with this title" album recorded a couple of years earlier. The album presents thirteen tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Vloeimans. The music is typical modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions, which are melody driven but open enough to allow intensive interplay between the quartet members and extensive improvisations. The individual compositions present a diverse palette demanding serious listening involvement, but are aesthetically rewarding and interesting. The four musicians are highly regarded instrumentalists, which of course is plainly obvious from the very first notes. Vloeimans takes most of the soloing duties upon himself, with Taylor staying relatively in the background, with only occasional soloing, but his beautiful piano accompaniment parts are an integral part of the entire musical fabric. The rhythm section is fully involved in the interplay and both Di Castri and LaBarbera solo occasionally, showing their respective chops. At times the music bring fond memories of the music made by Taylor with his friend and long time collaborator Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, which of course is a feast to the listeners´ ears. Overall this is an excellent modern Jazz album, full of great music and excellent performances, which should keep any connoisseur of European Jazz happy and although recorded some twenty years ago, still sounds great today!

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted: 31/08/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

KENNY WHEELER / SONNY GREENWICH ~ LIVE AT THE MONTREAL BISTRO JUSTIN TIME 114 (Barcode: 068944011421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 - 1997 Released: 1997 This is a little known live recording by the British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist with Canadian guitarist Sonny GreenwichFind albums by this artist and other top Canadian Jazz players: pianist Don ThompsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim VivianFind albums by this artist and drummer Barry ElmesFind albums by this artist. American drummer Joe LaBarberaFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks. The music was recorded during two Canadian appearances, four years apart, and presents six tracks: one original composition by Wheeler, another one by Thompson, two by Greenwich and two are standards. The music is all well within mainstream Jazz boundaries, with the original compositions being sufficient to keep the music interesting and the performances by all the participants are certainly solid enough to make the album worth listening too, not only due to Wheeler´s presence. The relaxed club atmosphere allows the musicians to stretch out and deliver lengthy soli, which are well structured and in case of Wheeler are simply phenomenal, as always. These are certainly not Wheeler´s most important or significant statements, but they are a nice document of his less demanding appearances with Canadian colleagues, during his visits in his former Homeland. For the many Wheeler´s followers and collectors, this is of course a must.

Updated: 19/12/2018Posted: 19/12/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend