At The Montreux Jazz Festival 1968 [Remastered] - Bill Evans (Piano)

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: a true avant garde jazz trio
Disadvantages: maybe too avant garde in some instances

...When we talk about modern jazz piano trios names like brad mehldau and esbjorn svensson quickly emerge to our minds. But no matter how good the former musicians and their trios are, nevertheless they still have a strong influence by artists like bill evans, keith jarrett and even Chick Corea. In the case of the Bad plus however, we can talk about a new powerful almost punk attitude towards piano trios. Imagine the virtuosity of jazz musicians combined with avant grade innovation and high volumed tunes, all combind in one. The original compositions sound so fresh, with all the rhythmic and harmonic complexity combined in a unique way. Trashy beats and excellent piano unisons create a some kind of trancedental atmosphere. And how about a cover of Nirvana's "smells like teen spirit" for jazz trio? Really interesting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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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