The elder Mr. Evans; as in the case of Mrs. Evans (I assume) have the same deep thoughtful visage as that of Mr. Evans the younger; that he would wear throughout his life. Bill Evans at the keyboard... now that's what I'd call a weapon of mass harmony. How could an enemy; any warring faction hear Bill Evans and think about proliferating the horrors of war? Destruction; taking lives or committing atrocities perpetrated on humanity just couldn't be on the program. Seeing him playing and thoughtfully in a military uniform moves the mind in odd directions. Thank you for your service in and out of uniform. I could only dream of sitting in a duck tape patched Red Naugahyde booth with a 3/4 full short glass of J&B in front of me at Keystone Korner the night the bottom photograph was taken. There's a lot I would have given up in my life to have been there. I think this is just the kind of thing that H.G. Wells's Time Machine was invented for. What! That was a fiction? Fantasy? These 3 distinct moments in time... an incremental continuum I personally find fascinating. Filling in the gaps and future; piecing together a life as intriguing as that of Bill Evans; someone with a life as brilliant, difficult, devastating and consequential as of Bill Evans' would be quite an extraordinary ride. Weaving and cementing the moments; the years and the achievements through his music and other material would be a worthwhile trip. I only know what I do of him superficially through his work; and thank goodness for his work. Although somewhat intimate with his music, I understand that's only a road map. A beautiful complex one to be sure... but only that. I understand that many would say, his music's enough; and I might also be in that camp depending on the day, my mood, the circumstances of my life at any given time... but today; after being immersed in this thread; with Paris Concert Vol. 1 on the player, I do believe I will attempt to make the time to explore his journey more fully.
Just a reminder. These Verve CDs were mastered by Dennis Drake. “Bill Evans Alone” 833 801-2 “At the Montreux Jazz Festival” 827 844-2 “Empathy & A Simple Matter of Conviction” 837 757-2 “Conversations with Myself” 821 984-2 “Intermodulation” 833 771-2 “Bill Evans at Town Hall” 831 271-2
I fully support this entire comment. I've always said if there was one act from before I was grown to go back in time to see, it would be Bill Evans
Wonderful post, thanks. Funny that the "if I just could go back in time" crossed my mind when I played that Keystone set. And also every time I play the Village Vanguard 61 CDs. But I guess if you like Bill's music you'll wish you were there.
Peace Piece Virtual Museum Exhibit: Pasos Peace Museum (visit: www. pasospeacemuseum.org)—Bill Evans's "Peace Piece" is an unrehearsed modal composition that he recorded for his "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" LP in 1958. It is hailed as one of the most beautiful and evocative solo piano improvisations ever recorded. -youtube
12 Classic Albums: 1956-62 6 Cd CD JAZZ ENLIGHTENMENT 0009025 UPC: 823564642321 Release Date: 11/4/2014
There are a lot of Bill Evans tribute albums. I seem to prefer other than piano albums for the tributes. This one is nice
I saw this colorization of the original photo used for the cover of Undercurrent and wanted to share it here.
Yes. The arrangement is tasteful and the performance with Eddie is much better than the Monk disc IMO.
I am not a pianist, but even before I saw the label, I somehow knew that this was a chord that only Evans could play. How come no one else could ever touch a piano the way he did?
