BILL EVANS — Empathy + A Simple Matter of Conviction (1989) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two of pianist Bill Evans' better Verve recordings are combined on this single CD. Although separated by over four years time, in both cases the lyrical pianist is joined by drummer Shelly Manne; the bass spot is taken by either Monty Budwig or Eddie Gomez (the latter was making his recorded debut with Evans). The earlier session (the pianist's first project for Verve) has some unusual material including a pair of Irving Berlin obscurities ("The Washington Twist" and "Let's Go Back to the Waltz"), "Danny Boy" and "I Believe in You." The later date is most notable for including four obscure Evans tunes (including "Only Child" and "These Things Called Changes") plus his interpretation of "My Melancholy Baby" and some more conventional material. In any case, fans of the influential pianist will want to pick up this generous set which contains nearly 73 minutes of intriguing music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
Empathy
1     The Washington Twist 6:28
Irving Berlin
2     Danny Boy 3:42
Frederick Edward Weatherly
3     Let's Go Back to the Waltz 4:30
Irving Berlin
4     With a Song in My Heart 9:12
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5     Goodbye 5:10
Gordon Jenkins
6     I Believe in You 5:48
Frank Loesser
A Simple Matter Of Conviction
7     A Simple Matter of Conviction 3:18
Bill Evans
8     Stella by Starlight 4:09
Ned Washington / Victor Young
9     Orbit (Unless It's You) 3:41
Bill Evans
10     Laura 4:17
Johnny Mercer / David Raksin
11     My Melancholy Baby 5:14
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
12     I'm Getting Sentimental over You 4:11
George Bassman / Ned Washington
13     Star Eyes 4:56
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
14     Only Child 4:02
Bill Evans
15     These Things Called Changes 3:34
Bill Evans
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez (faixas: 7 to 15), Monty Budwig (faixas: 1 to 6)
Drums – Shelly Manne
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Bill Evans
Producer – Creed Taylor