Bill Evans - 5 Original Albums (2016)

Lovely collection of relatively lesser known Bill Evans albums from Verve. There's a lot to enjoy here.

'Trio 64' is a treat for fans of Gary Peacock as it was the only time he recorded with Evans. On this recording he is more in support mode than might be expected for a Bill Evans Trio bassist, but the sound he attains is fat and gorgeous. Of course, Paul Motian on drums won't need any introduction to Evans' fanatics. This is a really nice snapshot of Bill Evans in a lighter, more carefree sounding mode than some of his more famous 60s records.

Manne oh MAN! Towering drum performance here from Shelly M, with Eddie Gomez as a more than capable rhythm section partner. This is one of my fave Bill Evans 'trio' recordings. Great selection of tracks with some really nice Evans' originals scattered throughout.

"...Conversations..." is a sequel of sorts to Evans' "Conversation with Myself" from '63. Here he double tracks piano lines and essentially duets with himself. In the context of this collection of records it is fun to compare the readings of 'Little Lulu' and 'Santa Claus...' with those found on the 'Trio 64'.

If it were a metal album '...Montreaux...' could well be titled "Alpine Assault!", "Live and Raw!" or something qually LOUD. Ol' Bill is not a killer, but the album is a thriller. Very 'out', very dynamic. Jack DeJohnette on the drum throne is in beastly form throughout the set. Evans, DeJohnette, and bassist Gomez won a Grammy for best jazz group perfomance.

Although 'jazz flute' has been something of a punchline for years, the album with Jeremy Steig is worth an open mind. Bill Evans was always a great man for generous collaboration and the lively set with Jeremy Steig provides ample proof.