BILL EVANS — Piano Player (1998) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although this 1998 CD may at first glance seem to be a reissue, all but three of the 11 selections had never been released before. The highly influential pianist Bill Evans is heard in five different settings. An unissued (and slightly earlier rendition) of the third section of George Russell's "All About Rosie" (a showcase for Evans with Russell's 14-piece orchestra) starts off the release. Next are the three previously issued but somewhat obscure numbers: a live rendition of "My Funny Valentine" with Miles Davis in 1958 (played by just a quartet) and two songs from a 1962 set headed by vibraphonist Dave Pike. For Piano Player, producer Orrin Keepnews discovered and released six long-lost selections from 1970: duets by Evans (who also plays a little bit of electric piano) and bassist Eddie Gomez that are strong enough to make one wonder why the projects was originally abandoned. Wrapping up the intriguing set is a trio number (with Evans, Gomez, and drummer Marty Morell) that is an alternate take left over from The Bill Evans Album. The pianist's fans will definitely want this consistently enjoyable CD. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1     All About Rosie 5:18
George Russell
2     My Funny Valentine 10:20
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3     Vierd Blues 5:58
Miles Davis
4     Besame Mucho 6:53
Sunny Skylar / Consuelo Velázquez
5     Mornin' Glory 6:43
Bobbie Gentry
6     Django 8:08
John Lewis
7     Waltz for Debby 5:13
Bill Evans / Gene Lees
8     T.T.T. (Twelve Tone Tune) 3:37
Bill Evans
9     Comrade Conrad 6:40
Bill Evans
10     Gone with the Wind 6:42
Herbert Magidson / Allie Wrubel
11     Fun Ride 6:37
Bill Evans
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez (faixas: 6 to 11), Herbie Lewis (faixas: 3, 4), Paul Chambers (faixas: 2)
Drums – Jimmy Cobb (faixas: 2), Marty Morell (faixas: 11), Walter Perkins (faixas: 3, 4)
Electric Bass – Eddie Gomez (faixas: 5)
Electric Piano – Bill Evans (faixas: 5 to 10)
Leader, Trumpet – Miles Davis (faixas: 2)
Leader, Vibraphone – Dave Pike (faixas: 3, 4)
Orchestra – George Russell Orchestra (faixas: 1)
Piano – Bill Evans