The jazz wisdom regarding Bill Evans's relationship to drummers is that only Philly Joe Jones could light a bona fide rhythmic fire beneath the often mellow, circuitous pianist. But here California-cool-identified rhythm a... more »ce Shelly Manne shows both intimate knowledge of Evans's modus operandi and a keen manner for destabilizing the picture enough to drive uncommonly hard-swinging trio interplay. This two-fer collects both dates Manne played with Evans--and bassists Monty Budwig (on Empathy in 1962) and longtime trio member Eddie Gomez (on A Simple Matter of Conviction in 1966)--and the pairing makes great sense. Not only did Manne push the trio to new places, but Evans yanked Manne into a kind of ultrasensitive spot, too, engaging the drums and ride cymbals so that they sound harmonic and melodic. The net result is hair-raising in its exactness and a pleasure to hear. --Andrew Bartlett« less
The jazz wisdom regarding Bill Evans's relationship to drummers is that only Philly Joe Jones could light a bona fide rhythmic fire beneath the often mellow, circuitous pianist. But here California-cool-identified rhythm ace Shelly Manne shows both intimate knowledge of Evans's modus operandi and a keen manner for destabilizing the picture enough to drive uncommonly hard-swinging trio interplay. This two-fer collects both dates Manne played with Evans--and bassists Monty Budwig (on Empathy in 1962) and longtime trio member Eddie Gomez (on A Simple Matter of Conviction in 1966)--and the pairing makes great sense. Not only did Manne push the trio to new places, but Evans yanked Manne into a kind of ultrasensitive spot, too, engaging the drums and ride cymbals so that they sound harmonic and melodic. The net result is hair-raising in its exactness and a pleasure to hear. --Andrew Bartlett
"This is a more unknown albeit good session by Evans. Actually its two... one from '62, the other, '66. Both have Shelly Manne which is an interesting twist for Evans. In my opinion he sounds much different with Manne than he did with any other drummer, almost avante garde at times.Starting the album with Irving Berlin's Washington Twist, Evans and Manne sound almost Brubeck-ish and even forceful, without sounding forced or silly. Other songs, like the second track, Danny Boy feauture Evans playing at his most sensitive and quiet. Very pretty. Session two (with Eddie Gomez on bass, instead of Monty Budwig) has a bunch of Evans originals, including A Simple Matter Of Conviction, which is neat and quirky, plus Orbit (Unless it's you) which is pretty good and conventional. The last two originals are Only Child which is quite pretty, and These Things Called Changes which is more uptempo and shiney. These songs are pretty obscure for Evans, thus making this cd almost essential and unique. Pick it up."
Lover's of Bill Evan's Must Own This
Chad A. Lauterbach | Los Angeles, CA USA | 10/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These two Bill Evan's Sessions differ greatly from your standard Evan's album's. However, it is a very unique look at his skill in playing others music beautifully. He only has a few originals on these two albums. This is not a Bill Evan's starter kit, but should be owned and loved by his fans."
A simple matter of monster talents!
stef | Genoa Italy | 07/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""A simple matter of conviction". The fact is that this is more a matter of monster talents to be real!! These two encounters are a dream come true! Bill Evans with Shelly Manne, Eddie Gomez and Monty Budwig. An impressionist kind of jazz, light, fluid, deep, delicate, intellectual, ironic, with an unbelievable interplay between the musicians. If you love Jazz, you can't do without this recording. It's Bill Evans at his best, with some spice added by Shelly. Probably there will never be another Bill, but sure there will never be another Shelly too.
Really, trust me, these two albums are wonderful. Buy this piece of jazz history."
A different taste...
Mauro Battisti | Italy | 06/13/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In this double session, you can hear a very special sound in Evans' style. I believe this is also because of great Shelley Manne on drums: it is true, he didn't reharsal so much with Evans, but Manne, better than anyother (sorry for Motian, Morrell, Riel, La Barbera...), can support and enhance the intricate rhythmic concept of Evans and he does it with great personality! With Manne, finally, we can enjoy the real trio balance not just two voices + drums as in the historical session at Village Vanguard...but probably Mr. Evans preferred to dialogue just with bass."