Alone - Bill Evans

Advantages: Moving, beautiful harmonies and solos.
Disadvantages: Not everyone likes jazz

...Over the years my taste in different jazz styles has changed, but Bill Evans still stands out as one of my favourite musicians; the artist who originally enticed me into the world of Jazz, and whose work has significantly affected my own style as a Jazz pianist. Recoded in 1981, ‘You Must Believe Ins Spring’ contains pieces of a less upbeat and syncopated style than that of his earlier work, and instead more flowing, beautiful pieces, played with the heart-felt lyricism for which Evans is renowned. Sticking to a jazz trio form, (piano with drums and double bass), Evan’s creates the perfect atmosphere in each piece through subtle textures and natural, unspoken collaboration with his fellow musicians. Being a huge fan of Evans I may appear somewhat biased in his favour; the album is after all one my favourite. But anyone who has some... Read review

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Advantages: Good
Disadvantages: Bad

...such a mystique — if it was possible, it wouldn't have mystique — but surely much of it has to do with the exceptional band playing at the peak of its power. After all, this is hardly Miles' show alone. Pianist Bill Evans was instrumental in pushing Davis toward modal music, and tenor saxophonist John Coltrane was eager to follow. Those three are joined by Cannonball Adderly on alto sax, Jimmy Cobb on drums, and the incomparable bassist Paul Chambers (pianist Wynton Kelly sits in for Evans on "Freddie Freeloader"). As Evans said in the original liner notes for the record, the band did not play through any of these pieces prior to recording. Davis laid out the themes and chords just before the tape rolled, and then the band improvised through each composition. Improvisation had always been a large part of jazz, but this kind of preplanned, unrehearsed... Read review

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Advantages: amazing piano improvisation
Disadvantages: not for people who don't appreciate improvisation

...One of the most respected pianists of our time, Keith Jarrett, gives with the "Koln concert" a good definition of what improvisation is. Innovation, creativity, the feeling of uncertainty. Keith Jarrett is the kind of pianist that emerged during the 60's deeply influenced by Bill Evans and got mixed up with all sorts of jazz styles: fusion, bop, funk, avant garde and even classical music. In this recording you can find all his musical influences, concentrated in an improvisational way, unfolding in front of your eyes, or maybe ears. The result is quite amazing, if you think that Keith Jarrett wnated to actually cancel this concert because the piano that he was provided with, was not of top quality. For people who love piano and moreover improvisation in general, this is certainly a priority choice.... Read review

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