Bill Evans Trio With Symphony Orchestra (Arranged/Conducted By Claus Ogerman) - Bill Evans (Piano)

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: 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 masterclass in arranging and playing
Disadvantages: None

...Gil Evans was at a creative peak when this was recorded in 1960. Having completed a trio of classic albums with Miles Davis (Miles Ahead, Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain), he was now bringing classical influences into his own work - with amazing results. Often these were in quite small but important details: the delicate use of woodwinds (the barely noticeable bassoon on "La Nevada", the flute on John Benson Brooks' attractive "Where Flamingos Fly"); the inclusion of Harry Partch-style homemade percussion on George Russell's "Stratusphunk"; and more evidently in the choice of material (in this case, Kurt Weill's "Bilbao Song" - arranged so that, perhaps unexpectedly, it's Ron Carter's bass that takes the identifying vocal line from the song's chorus). It's Evans' own piano that introduces the album, on his own composition... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful