Jazz Masters - 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: Great jazz tunes from the Golden Age
Disadvantages: None

...-performed and fluid love song. Sadly the female singer with the honey-dripping tones is not credited on this CD. There's Harry James and his Orchestra with a waltz time piece called Carnival of Vencie, with some trumpet playing that is straight out of the trumpet section of a classical orchestra. There's Moonlight in Vermont sung by Ella Fitzgerald. If you haven't heard her sing, hear this song and you'll know why Ella Fitzgerald is so well-loved to this day by people from all over the year. Prisoner of Love by Teddy Wilson is good, solid jazz fare. A simple rhythm, slightly muted trumpet and lilting piano. Eventually, the music is joined by a female singer with a voice that is slightly reminiscent of Mae West. Closing Hour Blues by Meade Lux Lewis is a blues jazz cross-over. Somehow the crackles from the original master recording just add... Read review

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Advantages: Some really good tracks
Disadvantages: Some are "so-so"

...-talented and multi-styled Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band. It is still a swinging example of jazz, yet has more than a touch of elegant sophistication about it. The next track on the CD is by Nat King Cole and the Jazz All Stars. What's that? Nat King Cole? Singing jazz? Wasn't he a sophisticated crooner? Well, yes, towards the later years of his illustrious career, yet here we have a fine, stomping prime example of jazz with the Bugle Call Rag. In fact, Nat (Nathanial) Cole does not sing on this tune, he provides some of the hottest jazz piano I have heard in ages. Nat was, first and foremost, a fantastic jazz pianist. This version of the tune was recorded in 1944. Listen to this and you will now EXACTLY where Bill Hailey and the rest of the rock and rollers got their inspiration from! And also some of their licks, too! The next track... Read review

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