Time Remembered - Bill Evans

Advantages: Outstanding music from outstanding musicians
Disadvantages: None

...In Kind of Blue, Miles Davis created a timeless album which epitomised the period of 'cool jazz' between bebop and fusion. The personnel list is impressive - Cannonball Adderly on alto and Coltrane on tenor were also in extremely productive periods at the time, and their solos on Kind of Blue, especially the two alternate Flamenco Sketches takes, are great examples of their styles, which both contrast and complement the other's. Although "So What" is remembered as the highlight of the album by most, I think Freddie Freeloader and Blue in Green are the outstanding tracks. The decision to use his new pianist Wynton Kelly instead of Bill Evans on Freddie Freeloader was inspired - Kelly's solo is sublime. This wasn't my introduction to jazz, but it was the album which sold the genre to me. Miles, forever the innovator, later said he couldn... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average 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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful