Perfect intro to the Evans-LaFaro-Motian trio
Mike Johnston | Wisconsin | 02/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Bill Evans (and I really do--he's got a smooth / lounge aesthetic but with guts, heart, and brains), this is a great album to have; if you think you might like him, it's a good place to start. Evans is an accessible yet deeply original and inventive pianist who is not afraid of pianistic beauty. He's a virtuoso yet never a show-off. And the celebrated "telepathic" communication between Evans and bassist Scott LaFaro, whose tragic early death devastated Evans, is amply evident on this release. (With drummer Paul Motian, this is the same trio that made the masterpiece "Waltz for Debbie.")The sound on Fantasy's 20-bit remastering is, I swear, the same as the XRCD. It's rich and smooth and virtually as good as a modern recording despite having been recorded in 1959. Tape hiss is just not a problem. Even the standing bass sounds good, which is unusual since that instrument seems to record badly. If you can get with the suave, urbane, laid-back 1950s jazz club atmosphere of this music--or anywhere near it--this is a completely recommendable disc. But do be sure to get this remastering, with the cardboard slipcover that has the wide red surround."
The Ballad Man!
Carl Johnson | Detroit, MI United States | 02/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bill Evans is one of the most lyrical pianist you will ever here on this planet. This is one of his best recordings. My Father liked, "Spring Is Here" and the album that was kind of based on the theme contain in the song, a lot. Most of you that are looking at buying this version of this record you can't lose. Bill was jazz genius! Period! Phemominal spin! Oh... the remaster is fuller sounding..."