BILL EVANS WITH JEREMY STEIG — Whats New (1969-1995) RM | Serie Verve 24bit Super Best 50 – 4 | FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Fin 1968 le pianiste Bill Evans (1929-1980) met en place un nouveau trio ; le batteur Marty Morell rejoint le contrebassiste Eddie Gomez qui est déjà avec Bill depuis 1966. Ce trio durera jusqu’en 1974. En octobre 1968, ils se produisent au Top Of The Gate, situé au-dessus du Village Gate. Souvent en fin de soirée le flutiste Jeremy Steig s’adjoint au groupe. Bill Evans connaissait Steig depuis 1964 et l’appréciait. Eddie Gomez était très ami avec le flutiste, il venait de participer à l'enregistrement d'un disque de jazz fusion, "Jeremy & The Satyrs", sous la direction du flutiste. Depuis de nombreuses années Bill et Jeremy avaient le projet d’un album conjoint. Bill Evans dans les notes de pochette de cet album rappelle combien il apprécie la flûte, instrument qu’il a pratiqué de nombreuses années. Rendez-vous est donc pris pour un album commun prometteur.
L’album «What’s new», enregistré début 1969, est donc le premier en studio du trio Evans-Gomez-Morell, avec le flutiste en invité. Un Bill Evans plus rageur dès le premier morceau, la composition de Monk «Straight No Chaser», ou encore comme sur un «Autumn Leaves» plein d’énergie, comme une poussée de sève printanière. L’album se conclut avec un «So What» que Bill Evans n’avait pas enregistré* depuis la séance historique avec Miles Davis. Probablement à la demande de Steig, c’est une version nettement plus « speed » qui nous est offerte, Bill Evans semble en retrait.
Disque plaisant certes, mais à l’écoute je ne ressens ni la même spontanéité ni la même complicité que sur l'excellent Flute Fever, premier album du flutiste (en compagnie de Denny Zeitlin au piano). Sur plusieurs morceaux, pendant le solo de Jeremy, le piano est absent. Eddie Gomez occupe une grande place dans cet album, bénéficiant d’un large espace comme soliste et il s’avère très brillant. Bien des années plus tard, à propos de cet album, Marty Morell dans deux interviews (une sur le site Jazzwax et l’autre avec Jan Stevens) laisse entendre que Jeremy Steig n’était pas du tout en forme, un peu ailleurs. Les prises se sont multipliées (près de 30 parfois) et Bill Evans perdait patience. Au final, malgré tout, un bon disque, même si son accouchement a été difficile. Un rendez-vous dont peut-être les protagonistes attendaient trop ? Philippe A
Tracklist :
1    Straight No Chaser 5:40
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
2    Lover Man 6:19
Written-By – David, Sherman, Ramirez
3    What's New 4:50
Written-By – Haggart, Burke
4    Autumn Leaves 6:12
Written-By – Prevert, Mercer, Kosma
5    Time Out For Chris 7:17
Written-By – Evans
6    Spartacus Love Theme 4:18
Written-By – North
7    So What 9:06
Written-By – Hall, Davis
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Marty Morell
Flute – Jeremy Steig
Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS – Symbiosis (1974-1994) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans is most often thought of as a "trio" player, as most of his albums have been piano/bass/drums, with the occasional solo or duo album. But he did record a select few albums with orchestras, and that's what makes SYMBIOSIS a special and unique entry in Evans' hugh catalog. Recorded in 1974, it was released in 1994 on CD for the first time. Further, this albums contains no standards or Evans originals--the title piece is a multi-part suite composed, arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman (who also collaborated with Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra, among many others).

The album runs the stylistic gamut: there are moments of Philip Glass-like minimalism (!), samba-flavored big-band passages, echoes of the early 20th century Russian composers, Third Stream jazz, lush yet slightly ominous string arrangements and '70s film music. Throughout, Evans, alternating between acoustic and electric pianos, shimmers and entrances with his inventively lyrical solos. Not your "typical" Bill Evans album--but that's what makes SYMBIOSIS such a fine, gently challenging listen. AllMusic
Tracklist  :
1st Movement (Moderato, Various Tempi)
1. (a) (7:55)
2. (b) (5:18)
3. (c) (11:55)
2nd Movement (Largo, Andante, Maestoso, Largo)
4. (a) (9:14)
5. (b) (6:47)

The Bill Evans Trio
Bill Evans - Steinway grand piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano
Eddie Gomez - Bass
Marty Morell - Drums

Orchestra conducted by Claus Ogerman
Phil Woods, Jerry Dodgion, Walt Levinsky, Harvey Estrin - Alto Saxophone
Bill Slapin, Don Hammond, Hubert Laws - Flute
George Marge, Phil Bodner - Oboe
Danny Bank, Ron Janelly - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Wally Kane - Bassoon
Don MacCourt - Contra Bassoon
Brooks Tillotson, James Buffington, Earl Chapin, Ray Alonge, Al Richmond, Pete Gordon - French Horn
Marvin Stamm, John Frosk, Bernie Glow, Marky Markowitz, Victor Paz, Mel Davis - Trumpet
Urbie Green - Tenor Trombone
Paul Faulise, Tommy Mitchell - Bass Trombone
Don Butterfield - Tuba
George Devens, Dave Carey, Doug Allen - Percussion
Ralph McDonald - Congas
David Nadien - Concertmaster

CHET BAKER — Chet Baker Plays the Best of Lerner & Loewe (1956-2013) RM | Serie Original Jazz Classics Remasters | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of the last Chet Baker (trumpet) long players recorded in the States prior to the artist relocating to Europe in the early '60s. Likewise, the eight-tune collection was the final effort issued during his brief association with the Riverside Records imprint. The project was undoubtedly spurred on by the overwhelming success of the Shelly Manne-led combo that interpreted titles taken from the score to My Fair Lady (1956). In addition to becoming an instant classic, Manne's LP was also among of the best-selling jazz platters of all time. While Baker and crew may have gained their inspiration from Manne, these readings are comparatively understated. That said, the timelessness of the melodies, coupled with the assembled backing aggregate, make Chet Baker Plays the Best of Lerner and Loewe (1959) a memorable concept album. Although Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe had produced a number of well-received and luminous entries, half of the material on this disc is derived from My Fair Lady (1956). "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" is given a languid torch song treatment that spirals around Baker's cool inconspicuous leads, featuring some equally sublime contributions from Zoot Simms (alto sax/tenor sax). This contrasts the resilient and free-spirited waltz on "I Could Have Danced All Night," which benefits from Herbie Mann's (flute) breezy counterpoint and solo. Bill Evans (piano) also lays down some tasty licks over top of the solid rhythm of Earl May (bass) and Clifford Jarvis (drums). "On the Street Where You Live" is a highlight, as the personnel take the time to stretch out and thoroughly examine with some key counterpoint between Baker's honey-toned horn and Pepper Adams' (baritone sax) husky and ample involvement. Of the non-My Fair Lady sides, "The Heather on the Hill" and a superior "Almost Like Being in Love" hail from Brigadoon (1947), while the scintillating and smoldering "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" comes from Gigi (1958). Not to be missed is "I Talk to the Trees," with an unhurried and evenly measured tempo that is coupled to Baker's austere, yet rich and purposeful lines. Lindsay Planer  
Tracklist :
1    I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face    4:11
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
2    I Could Have Danced All Night    3:39
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
3    The Heather On The Hill    5:01
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
4    On The Street Where You Live    8:35
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
5    Almost Like Being In Love    4:49
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
6    Thank Heaven For Little Girls    4:31
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
7    I Talk To The Trees    5:47
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
8    Show Me    6:29
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams
Bass – Earl May
Drums – Clifford Jarvis
Flute – Herbie Mann
Piano – Bill Evans (2, 6 to 8), Bob Corwin (1, 3 to 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Herbie Mann (5)
Trumpet – Chet Baker

BILL EVANS – The Complete Interplay Sessions (2014) RM | 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Interplay stands as some of Bill Evans' most enigmatic and unusual music in makeup as well as execution. It was recorded in July 1962 with a very young Freddie Hubbard from the Jazz Messengers, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Philly Joe Jones performing five veteran standards. Evans has a more blues-based approach to playing: harder, edgier, and in full flow, fueled in no small part by Hall, who is at his very best here, swinging hard whether it be a ballad or an uptempo number. Hubbard's playing, on the other hand, was never so restrained as it was here. Using a mute most of the time, his lyricism is revealed to jazz listeners for the first time -- with Art Blakey it was a blistering attack of hard bop aggression. On this program of standards, however, Hubbard slips into them quite naturally without the burden of history -- check his reading and improvisation on "When You Wish Upon a Star." Ironically, it's on the sole original, the title track, where the band in all its restrained, swinging power can be best heard, though the rest is striking finger-popping hard bop jazz, with stellar crystalline beauty in the ballads.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa'<-
Tracklist & Credits :

OLIVER NELSON — The Blues and the Abstract Truth (1961-2010) RM | SACD, Hybrid | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As Oliver Nelson is known primarily as a big band leader and arranger, he is lesser known as a saxophonist and organizer of small ensembles. Blues and the Abstract Truth is his triumph as a musician for the aspects of not only defining the sound of an era with his all-time classic "Stolen Moments," but on this recording, assembling one of the most potent modern jazz sextets ever. Lead trumpeter Freddie Hubbard is at his peak of performance, while alto saxophonists Nelson and Eric Dolphy (Nelson doubling on tenor) team to form an unlikely union that was simmered to perfection. Bill Evans (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Roy Haynes (drums) can do no wrong as a rhythm section. "Stolen Moments" really needs no comments, as its undisputable beauty shines through in a three-part horn harmony fronting Hubbard's lead melody. It's a thing of beauty that is more timeless as the years pass. The "Blues" aspect is best heard on "Yearnin'," a stylish, swinging, and swaying downhearted piece that is a bluesy as Evans would ever be. Both "Blues" and "Abstract Truth" combine for the darker "Teenie's Blues," a feature for Nelson and Dolphy's alto saxes, Dolphy assertive in stepping forth with his distinctive, angular, dramatic, fractured, brittle voice that marks him a maverick. Then there's "Hoedown," which has always been the black sheep of this collection with its country flavor and stereo separated upper and lower horn in snappy call-and-response barking. As surging and searing hard boppers respectively, "Cascades" and "Butch & Butch" again remind you of the era of the early '60s when this music was king, and why Hubbard was so revered as a young master of the idiom. A must buy for all jazz fans, and a Top Ten or Top Fifty favorite for many. Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1 Stolen Moments 8:47
Oliver Nelson 
2 Hoe-Down 4:44
Oliver Nelson 
3 Cascades 5:32
Oliver Nelson 
4 Yearnin' 6:24
Oliver Nelson 
5 Butch and Butch 4:37
Oliver Nelson 
6 Teenie's Blues 6:34
Oliver Nelson 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Eric Dolphy
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Written-By – Oliver Nelson
Baritone Saxophone – George Barrow
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Roy Haynes
Piano – Bill Evans
Producer – Creed Taylor
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard

BILL EVANS & LEE KONITZ - Play The Arrangements Of Jimmy Giuffre (1959-2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Lone Hill Jazz compilation presents the contents of two separate releases Lee Konitz Meets Jimmy Giuffre and You and Lee featuring Lee Konitz and Jimmy Giuffre (the latter playing baritone sax and contributing the arrangements) together, with pianist Bill Evans being the prominent sideman, though the ensemble includes tenor saxophonists Warne Marsh and Ted Brown (both of whom studied with Lennie Tristano alongside Konitz), and alto saxophonist Hal McKusick, though it is Konitz that is featured throughout the sessions from Lee Konitz Meets Jimmy Giuffre. Konitz contributed the quirky blues "Cork 'N' Bib," which features an unusually bluesy solo by Evans, plus an atonal offering by Marsh and Giuffre's robust single chorus. The breezy setting of "The Song Is You" is an excellent wrap to this spring session. Later the same year the musicians returned to the studio while adding guitarist Jim Hall to record the Verve LP You and Lee, which had not been reissued on CD until appearing in this anthology. Play the Arrangements of Jimmy Giuffre concentrates exclusively on Giuffre's arrangements of standards and while it isn't quite as wide-ranging as the earlier effort, Konitz is obviously inspired by the arrangements and excellent ensemble behind him. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1    Palo Alto    3:08
 Konitz
2    When Your Lover Has Gone    5:02
 Swan
3    Cork 'N Bib    9:50
Konitz
4    Somp'm Outa' Nothin'    4:29
Giuffre
5    Someone To Watch Over Me    3:36
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
6    Uncharted    3:55
Giuffre
7    Moonlight In Vermont    3:59
Suessdorf / Blackburn
8    The Song Is You    5:08
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
9    Darn That Dream    1:58
De Lange / Van Heusen
10    Ev'rything I've Got (Belongs To You)    4:48
Rodgers / Hart
11    You Don't Know What Love Is    4:19
Raye / De Paul
12    I Didn't Know About You    4:00
Ellington / Russell
13    I'm Getting Sentimental Over You    3:57
 George Bassman / Ned Washington
14    You're Driving Me Crazy    4:11
Donaldson
15    You're Clear Out Of This World    4:08
Arlen / Mercer
16    The More I See You    3:39
Warren / Gordon
17    You Are Too Beautiful    4:12
Rodgers / Hart
Credits :   
Alto Saxophone – Hal McKusick (tracks: 1 to 9), Lee Konitz (tracks: 1 to 9)
Baritone Saxophone, Arranged By – Jimmy Giuffre (tracks: 1 to 17)
Bass – Buddy Clark (tracks: 1 to 8), Sonny Dallas (tracks: 10 to 17)
Drums – Ronnie Free (tracks: 1 to 8), Roy Haynes (tracks: 10 to 17)
Guitar – Jim Hall (tracks: 14 to 17)
Piano – Bill Evans (tracks: 1 to 8, 10 to 13)
Tenor Saxophone – Ted Brown (tracks: 1 to 9), Warne Marsh (tracks: 1 to 9)
Trombone – Bill Byers, Eddie Bert
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Marky Markowitz, Phil Sunkel  

LEE KONITZ | JIMMY GIUFFRE - Lee Konitz Meets Jimmy Giuffre (1959-1996) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This unusual two-CD set not only reissues the original LP of the same name but three other rare Verve LP's from the 1950's. Altoist Lee Konitz (on "An Image") is showcased during a set of adventurous Bill Russo arrangements for an orchestra and strings in 1958, pops up on half of Ralph Burns' underrated 1951 classic Free Forms (the most enjoyable of the four sets) and meets up with baritonist Jimmy Giuffre, whose arrangements for five saxes (including the great tenor Warne Marsh) and a trio led by pianist Bill Evans are sometimes equally influenced by classical music and bop. The least interesting date showcases Giuffre's clarinet with a string section on his five-part "Piece For Clarinet And String Orchestra" and the 16 brief movements of "Mobiles." Overall this third-stream two-fer contains music that is easier to respect and admire than to love although Lee Konitz fans will probably want to acquire the obscure performances. Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1     'Round Midnight 5:16
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
2     The Daffodil's Smile 4:01
Bill Russo
3     I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 2:19
Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster
4     Music for Alto Saxophone and Strings, Pt. 1 4:25
Bill Russo
5     Music for Alto Saxophone and Strings, Pt. 2 2:53
Bill Russo
6     Music for Alto Saxophone and Strings, Pt. 3 2:35
Bill Russo
7     What's New? 2:41
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
8     Blues for Our Children 6:52
Lee Konitz / Bill Russo
9     An Image of Man, Pts. 1 - 7 15:22
Bill Russo
10     Terrisita 3:04
Ralph Burns
11     Lillith 2:51
Ralph Burns
12     Vignette at Verney's 2:44
Ralph Burns
13     Cameo 2:40
Ralph Burns
14     Places Please 3:09
Ralph Burns
15     Tantallon 2:40
Ralph Burns
16     Spring Is 1:55
Ralph Burns
17     Someday, Somewhere 2:51
Ralph Burns
18     Darn That Dream 1:55
Eddie DeLange / James Van Heusen
Tracklist 2 :    
1     Palo Alto 3:08
Lee Konitz
2     When Your Lover Has Gone 5:02
Einar A. Swan
3     Cork 'N' Bib 9:50
Lee Konitz
4     Somp'm Outa' Nothin' 4:29
Jimmy Giuffre
5     Someone to Watch over Me 3:36
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
6     Uncharted 3:55
Jimmy Giuffre
7     Moonlight in Vermont 3:59
John Blackburn / Karl Suessdorf
8     The Song Is You 5:05
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
9     Piece for Clarinet and String Orchestra, Movement 1 6:21
Jimmy Giuffre
10     Piece for Clarinet and String Orchestra, Movement 2 4:06
Jimmy Giuffre
11     Piece for Clarinet and String Orchestra, Movement 3 2:41
Jimmy Giuffre
12     Piece for Clarinet and String Orchestra, Movement 4 2:36
Jimmy Giuffre
13     Piece for Clarinet and String Orchestra, Movement 5 2:07
Jimmy Giuffre
14     Mobiles, Movement 1 1:03
Jimmy Giuffre
15     Mobiles, Movement 2 1:33
Jimmy Giuffre
16     Mobiles, Movement 3 0:46
Jimmy Giuffre
17     Mobiles, Movement 4 1:30
Jimmy Giuffre
18     Mobiles, Movement 5 2:11
Jimmy Giuffre
19     Mobiles, Movement 6 0:52
Jimmy Giuffre
20     Mobiles, Movement 7 2:19
Jimmy Giuffre
21     Mobiles, Movement 8 0:24
Jimmy Giuffre
22     Mobiles, Movement 9 1:59
Jimmy Giuffre
23     Mobiles, Movement 10 0:36
Jimmy Giuffre
24     Mobiles, Movement 11 1:53
Jimmy Giuffre
25     Mobiles, Movement 12 0:35
Jimmy Giuffre
26     Mobiles, Movement 13 1:47
Jimmy Giuffre
27     Mobiles, Movement 14 1:05
Jimmy Giuffre
28     Mobiles, Movement 15 1:15
Jimmy Giuffre
29     Mobiles, Movement 16 1:00
Jimmy Giuffre
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Hal McKusick (faixas: 1-18 to 2-8), Lee Konitz
Arranged By, Conductor – Bill Russo (faixas: 1-1 to 1-9)
Arranged By, Conductor, Piano – Ralph Burns (faixas: 1-10 to 1-17)
Baritone Saxophone, Arranged By – Jimmy Giuffre (faixas: 1-18 to 2-8)
Bass – Buddy Clark (faixas: 2-1 to 2-8), Ray Brown (faixas: 1-10 to 1-17)
Cello – Alan Shulman (faixas: 1-1 to 1-9)
Conductor – Wolfram Röhrig (faixas: 2-9 to 2-29)
Drums – Jo Jones (faixas: 1-10 to 1-17), Ronnie Free (faixas: 2-1 to 2-8)
Flute – Danny Bank (faixas: 1-10 to 1-17)
French Horn – Tony Miranda (faixas: 1-10 to 1-17)
Guitar – Billy Bauer (faixas: 1-1 to 1-9)
Orchestra – Sudwestfunk Orchestra Of Baden-Baden
Piano – Bill Evans (faixas: 2-1 to 2-8), Lou Stein (faixas: 1-1 to 1-9)
Producer [Original Recordings] – Norman Granz
Tenor Saxophone – Ted Brown (faixas: 1-18 to 2-8), Warne Marsh (faixas: 1-18 to 2-8)
Violin – Gene Orloff (faixas: 1-1 to 1-9)

LEE KONITZ - Live at the Half Note (1959-1994) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The music on this two-CD set has a strange history. Pianist Lennie Tristano had a rare reunion with altoist Lee Konitz and tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh (his two greatest "students") during an extended stay at the Half Note in 1959. Tristano took Tuesday nights off to teach and Bill Evans was his substitute, but the pianist had a couple of those performances recorded for posterity. While listening to his tapes years later, he was so impressed with Marsh's playing that he sent edited versions (comprised entirely of the tenor man's solos) to Marsh, and somehow they ended up being released in that form by the Revelation label. In 1994, the unedited music was finally issued by Verve; the consistently exciting playing by Konitz, Marsh, and Evans (with backup by bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Paul Motian) makes one wonder what took so long. They perform a dozen extended standards (or "originals" based on the chord changes of familiar tunes) with creativity and inspiration. In fact, of all the Konitz-Marsh recordings, this set ranks near the top. Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1     Palo Alto 9:13
Lee Konitz
2     How About You? 9:15
Ralph Freed / Burton Lane
3     My Melancholy Baby 6:54
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
4     Scrapple from the Apple 7:53
Charlie Parker
5     You Stepped Out of a Dream 7:39
Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
6     317 East 32nd Street 7:44
Lennie Tristano
Tracklist 2 :        
1     April 8:44
Lennie Tristano
2     It's You or No One 8:09
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
3     Just Friends 5:40
John Klenner / Sam M. Lewis
4     Baby, Baby All the Time 8:31
Bobby Troup
5     Lennie-Bird 8:39
Lennie Tristano
6     Subconscious Lee 7:41
Lee Konitz
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone, Producer [Original Recordings] – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jimmy Garrison
Drums – Paul Motian
Piano – Bill Evans
Tenor Saxophone – Warne Marsh

LEE KONITZ | ARRANGEMENTS BY JIMMY GIUFFRE - You and Lee (1960-2007) RM | Lee Konitz By Special Requests – 6 | FLAC (tracks), lossless

One of the lesser-known Lee Konitz albums, this LP (which has not been reissued yet on CD) features the altoist joined by six brass and a rhythm section for eight Jimmy Giuffre arrangements. The shouting brass contrasts well with Konitz's cool-toned solos and together they perform eight underplayed standards. Guitarist Jim Hall and pianist Bill Evans (who are on four songs apiece) are major assets behind Konitz on this pleasing set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     I'm Getting Sentimental over You
George Bassman / Ned Washington
2     You Don't Know What Love Is
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
3     I Didn't Know About You
Duke Ellington / Bob Russell
4     Everything I Have Belongs to You
Bob Russell, Duke Ellington
5     You're Clear Out of This World
Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
6     You Are Too Beautiful
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7     The More I See You
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
8     You're Driving Me Crazy
Walter Donaldson
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Arranged By, Conductor – Jimmy Giuffre
Bass – Sonny Dallas
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Jim Hall (faixas: 3, 5, 6, 7)
Piano – Bill Evans (faixas: 1, 2, 4, 8)
Trombone – Billy Byers, Bob Brookmeyer
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Marky Markowitz, Phil Sunkel

BILL EVANS | LEE KONITZ QUARTET - Together Again (1965-1990) RM | Unofficial Release | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The somewhat notorious bootleg label Moon, which has evidently ceased operations, will really frustrate jazz fans with this release. The quartet featuring both pianist Bill Evans and alto saxophonist Lee Konitz appears only on the closing medley and is marred by a continuous hum. Konitz appears with Niels Pedersen and Alan Dawson on "All the Things You Are" and "What's New?" Evans joins the rhythm section for "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Beautiful Love." The poor sound with occasional tape dropouts will make it appealing only to the most obsessive fans of Bill Evans and/or Lee Konitz. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    All The Things You Are 10:03
J.Kern
2    What's New? 8:56
B. Haggart
3    Come Rain Or Come Shine 4:22
H. Arlen
4    Beautiful Love 3:21
Young / King / Van Alstyne
5    How Deep Is The Ocean / Detour Ahead / My Melancholy Baby 17:27
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Niels Henning Ørsted-Pedersen
Drums – Alan Dawson
Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS TRIO | LEE KONITZ & WARNE MARSH - Cross-Currents (1977-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This superior set was a logical idea. One of pianist Bill Evans' earlier influences was Lennie Tristano, so for this date, Evans' trio (with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund) was teamed with Tristano's two top "students": altoist Lee Konitz and tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh. The quintet performs four standards (all of which fit easily into Evans' repertoire) plus "Pensativa" and Steve Swallow's "Eiderdown." Konitz and Marsh always worked very well together and their cool-toned improvising makes this outing by Bill Evans something special. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Eiderdown 8:19
Steve Swallow
2     Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 3:32
Cole Porter
3     Pensativa 5:37
Clare Fischer / Claire Fisher
4     Speak Low 6:32
A.M. Brunner / Ogden Nash / Geoff Tate / Kurt Weill / Michael Wilton
5     When I Fall in Love 4:18
Edward Heyman / Victor Young
6     Night and Day 6:06
Cole Porter
7     Eiderdown 5:36
Steve Swallow
8     Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 3:29
Cole Porter
9     Night and Day 7:06
Cole Porter
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Eliot Zigmund
Piano – Bill Evans
Tenor Saxophone – Warne Marsh

LEE KONITZ - Move (1994) Unofficial Release | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lee Konitz has recorded often during his career, but many of the tracks within this CD may be fairly rare. The first eight songs are from two 1956 studio dates in Germany with either Hans Koller on tenor sax and a rotating cast of one or two baritone saxophonists, including Lars Gullin, Willi Sanner, and Rudi Sehring. With the exception of "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" in which Konitz is the only reed player, the material sticks to originals by either pianist Roland Kovac, Gullin, or the leader; though the music is pleasant, none of the tunes are particularly memorable. Better is a 1958 New York session with Warne Marsh on tenor sax, pianist Billy Taylor, mellophonist Don Elliott, and guitarist Mundell Lowe covering lively takes of "Move" and "Subconscious Lee," Konitz's well-known reworking of "What Is This Called Love?" The last three tracks with Niels Pedersen and Alan Dawson are of historical interest. A very brief but wild interpretation of "What's New" is mainly a feature for Pedersen's extended bass solo; while Konitz invites Evans to join them on stage for a rather choppy "How Deep Is the Ocean," which features a terrific introduction by the pianist, and the more accessible "Beautiful Love." Like most Moon CDs the sound is rather erratic, with the live tracks showing lots of tape hiss and a fair amount of distortion. But both Konitz and Evans fans should consider adding this now out-of-print release to their collections. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    East Of Eden    4:02
2    Stephany    5:01
3    Late Summer    7:02
4    En Rodage    3:58
5    Ablution    4:00
6    Variations No.8 From "Passacaglia"    3:04
7    I'm Getting Sentimental Over You    2:50
8    Lee-La-Lu    5:00
9    Move    3:09
10    Subconscious Lee    2:33
11    What's New    2:30
12    How Deep Is The Ocean?    7:28
13    Beautiful Love    3:38
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz (pistas: 1 to 3, 6 to 13)
Baritone Saxophone – Lars Gullin (pistas: 4, 5), Lee Konitz (pistas: 4, 5), Willi Sanner (pistas: 1, 2, 8)
Bass – Eddie Safranski (pistas: 9, 10), Johnny Fischer (pistas: 1 to 8), Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (pistas: 11 to 13)
Drums – Alan Dawson (pistas: 11 to 13), Ed Thigpen (pistas: 9, 10), Karl Sanner (pistas: 3 to 8), Rudi Sehring (pistas: 1, 2)
Guitar – Mundell Lowe (pistas: 9, 10)
Mellophone – Don Elliott (pistas: 9, 10)
Piano – Bill Evans (pistas: 11 to 13), Billy Taylor (pistas: 9, 10), Roland Kovac (pistas: 1 to 8)
Tenor Saxophone – Hans Koller (pistas: 1 to 3, 6, 8), Warne Marsh (pistas: 9, 10)
Notas.Tracks 1 to 8 Lee Konitz Ensemble, Kohln, Germany, January 17 & 21, 1956
Tracks 9 to 10 Lee Konitz/Warne Marsh Ensemble, New York, 1958
Tracks 11 to 13 Lee Konitz Trio special guest Bill Evans, Stockholm, Sweden, 1966

BILL EVANS / EDDIE GOMEZ - Intuition (1974-2012) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After having played together on a regular basis for eight years, it is not surprising that this set of duets by pianist Bill Evans and bassist Eddie Gomez is intuitive and bordering on the telepathic. The material is quite fresh. Evans might have recorded "Invitation" and "Show-Type Tune" previously, but the other six songs were getting their debut in his hands. Whether it be "Hi Lili, Hi Lo," Claus Ogerman's "A Face Without a Name," Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace" or "Blue Serge," the sensitive and generally introspective playing on this LP definitely holds one's interest. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Invitation 6:29
Bronislaw Kaper
2     Blue Serge 5:06
Mercer Ellington
3     Show-Type Tune 4:05
Bill Evans
4     The Nature of Things 3:23
Irvin Rochlin
5     Are You All the Things? 4:59
Bill Evans
6     A Face Without a Name 5:36
Claus Ogerman
7     Falling Grace 4:29
Steve Swallow
8     Hi Lili, Hi Lo (For Ellaine) 7:18
Helen Deutsch
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Piano, Electric Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS - Re : Person I Knew (1974-2012) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded at the same Village Vanguard sessions that resulted in Since We Met, this posthumous collection (first put out in 1981 and later reissued on CD) features pianist Bill Evans, bassist Eddie Gómez, and drummer Marty Morell playing material that was passed over for release at the time -- some of the songs were overly familiar, while others were works in progress. But even though the results fall short of classic, they should interest Bill Evans collectors; highlights include remakes of "Re: Person I Knew," "Alfie," "T.T.T. (Twelve Tone Tune)," and "34 Skidoo." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Re: Person I Knew 5:20
Bill Evans
2     Sugar Plum 8:17
Bill Evans
3     Alfie 4:59
Burt Bacharach / Hal David
4     T.T.T. (Twelve Tone Tune) 5:31
Bill Evans
5     Excerpt from Dolphin Dance/Very Early 7:26
Bill Evans / Herbie Hancock
6     34 Skidoo 6:05
Bill Evans
7     Emily 5:17
Johnny Mandel / Johnny Mercer
8     Are You All the Things 6:21
Bill Evans
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Marty Morell
Piano – Bill Evans

THE BILL EVANS TRIO - Since We Met (1974-1991) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Thirteen years after his legendary Village Vanguard recordings, Bill Evans recorded Since We Met at the famous New York establishment again. Using his trio of the era (which includes bassist Eddie Gómez and drummer Marty Morell), Evans explores both familiar ("Time Remembered," "Turn Out the Stars" and "But Beautiful") and new (Joe Zawinul's "Midnight Mood," "See-Saw" and "Sareen Jurer") material. This CD reissue gives listeners a good example of Bill Evans' early-'70s trio as it typically sounded in clubs. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Since We Met 8:52
Bill Evans
2     Midnight Mood 6:53
Ben Raleigh / Joe Zawinul
3     See-Saw 6:53
Cy Coleman
4     Sareen Jurer 6:39
Earl Zindars
5     Time Remembered 5:27
Bill Evans
6     Turn Out the Stars 5:07
Bill Evans
7     But Beautiful 6:21
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Marty Morell
Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS - Alone (Again) (1975-2012) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bill Evans was at his best playing solo piano; his touch, harmonic and rhythmic creativity, phrasing, and total technique were so accomplished that he needed ideal accompanists to excel in any trio or group situation. But when playing unaccompanied, he was free to explore any and all directions, developing and exploiting them without concern about other musicians following, fitting in, or expanding the territory behind or underneath him. There were only five cuts on this 1975 date, and the superb CD remastering illuminates Evans' brilliant solos. It offers a textbook example of how Evans opened, developed, and finished a composition; he examined it to the utmost, explored multiple options with flair, then concluded it in spectacular fashion. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     The Touch of Your Lips 5:17
Ray Noble
2     In Your Own Sweet Way 5:02
Dave Brubeck
3     Make Someone Happy 5:16
Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne
4     What Kind of Fool Am I? 4:45
Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley
5     People 14:28
Bob Merrill / Jule Styne
Credits :
Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS TRIO / LEE KONITZ & WARNE MARSH - Cross-Currents (1977-1992) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

This superior set was a logical idea. One of pianist Bill Evans' earlier influences was Lennie Tristano, so for this date, Evans' trio (with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund) was teamed with Tristano's two top "students": altoist Lee Konitz and tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh. The quintet performs four standards (all of which fit easily into Evans' repertoire) plus "Pensativa" and Steve Swallow's "Eiderdown." Konitz and Marsh always worked very well together and their cool-toned improvising makes this outing by Bill Evans something special. Recommended. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Eiderdown 8:19
Steve Swallow
2     Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 3:32
Cole Porter
3     Pensativa 5:37
Clare Fischer / Claire Fisher
4     Speak Low 6:32
A.M. Brunner / Ogden Nash / Geoff Tate / Kurt Weill / Michael Wilton
5     When I Fall in Love 4:18
Edward Heyman / Victor Young
6     Night and Day 6:06
Cole Porter
7     Eiderdown 5:36
Steve Swallow
8     Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 3:29
Cole Porter
9     Night and Day 7:06
Cole Porter
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Eliot Zigmund
Piano – Bill Evans
Tenor Saxophone – Warne Marsh

THE BILL EVANS TRIO - I Will Say Goodbye (1977-2012) SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title refers to the Michel Legrand piece performed twice on the date, and to the fact that pianist Bill Evans was on the verge of switching labels from Fantasy to Warner Bros. For his final Fantasy album, Evans, bassist Eddie Gómez, and drummer Eliot Zigmund perform memorable renditions of such songs as Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance," Johnny Mandel's "Seascape," and Burt Bacharach's underrated "A House Is Not a Home." Fine post-bop music from an influential piano giant. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     I Will Say Goodbye 3:27
Alan Bergman
2     Dolphin Dance 6:01
Herbie Hancock
3     Seascape 5:21
Johnny Mandel
4     Peau Douce 4:16
Steve Swallow
5     Nobody Else But Me 5:04
Jerome Kern
6     I Will Say Goodbye [Take 2] 4:47
Alan Bergman
7     The Opener 6:09
Bill Evans
8     Quiet Light 2:26
Earl Zindars
9     A House Is Not a Home 4:37
Burt Bacharach
10     Orson's Theme 3:47
Michel Legrand
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Eliot Sigmund
Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS - You Must Believe in Spring (1981) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This well-rounded set (released posthumously) features the highly influential pianist Bill Evans in a set of typically sensitive trio performances. With his longtime bassist Eddie Gomez and his drummer of the period, Eliot Zigmund, Evans explores such songs as "We Will Meet Again," Jimmy Rowles's classic "The Peacocks" and the "Theme from M*A*S*H." It's a solid example of the great pianist's artistry. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     B Minor Waltz (For Ellaine) 3:12
Bill Evans
2     You Must Believe in Spring 5:37
Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Jacques Demy / Michel Legrand
3     Gary's Theme 4:15
Gary McFarland
4     We Will Meet Again (For Harry) 3:59
Bill Evans
5     The Peacocks 6:00
Jimmy Rowles
6     Sometime Ago 4:52
Sergio Mihanovich
7     Theme from M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless) 5:53
Michael Altman / Johnny Mandel
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Eliot Zigmund
Painting [" Yearning "] – Charles Burchfield
Piano – Bill Evans

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