BILL EVANS — California Here I Come (1967-2004) RM | LP Reproduction Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Philly Joe Jones was a member of the Bill Evans Trio for a short time in 1967 but none of his recordings with the pianist were released at the time. This two-LP set from 1982 features the pair (along with bassist Eddie Gomez who had recently started his own longtime association with Evans) in superb form. Jones consistently lit a fire under the pianist and, even though Bill Evans was never just an introspective ballad pianist (which became his stereotype), he does play with some unaccustomed ferocity on several of these selections. The 71 minutes of music feature strong versions of three of Evans' originals (including "Turn Out the Stars") plus a dozen standards, highlighted by "You're Gonna Hear From Me," "Gone With the Wind" and the unlikely "California Here I Come." Well worth searching for. In September 2004, Verve reissued the album in a limited edition, 24-bit remastered CD. Where the original disc sounded thin in places -- as it is a live recording -- the remastered version sounds consistently full and warm throughout.   Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1- California, Here I Come – 5:32
 (Buddy DeSylva, Al Jolson, Joseph Meyer)
2- Polka Dots and Moonbeams  – 3:22
(Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke)
3- Turn Out the Stars  – 5:52
(Bill Evans)
4- Stella by Starlight – 4:06
(Ned Washington, Victor Young)
5- You're Gonna Hear From Me  – 4:57
(André Previn, Dory Previn)
6- In a Sentimental Mood – 3:53
 (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Manny Kurtz)
7- G Waltz  – 4:35
(Bill Evans)
8- On Green Dolphin Street  – 4:53
(Bronisław Kaper, Ned Washington)
9- Gone With the Wind  – 5:35
(Herb Magidson, Allie Wrubel)
10- If You Could See Me Now  – 3:39
(Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman)
11- Alfie  – 5:12
(Burt Bacharach, Hal David)
12- Very Early  – 4:44
(Bill Evans)
13- 'Round Midnight - 6:07
(Thelonious Monk, Cootie Williams)
14- Emily – 5:18
 (Johnny Mandel, Johnny Mercer)
15- Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) – 6:49
(Harry Barris, Ted Koehler, Billy Moll)
Credits :
Bill Evans - Piano
Eddie Gómez - Bass
Philly Joe Jones - Drums