Search - Bill Evans :: Trio 64

A gem

Micah Newman | Fort Worth, TX United States | 05/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The music created by the trio on this record has a wonderful lilt and lift to it. The opening track, the bouncy "Little Lulu", exemplifies this spirit. The whole album has a loose, "off-the-cuff" feel to it. Even Paul Motian's drumming has a little "kick" to it. Gary Peacock's playing is quite active all over the fingerboard, and certainly evokes the spirit of the dearly departed Scotty Lafaro. It works almost as effectively as the exciting interplay Bill had with LaFaro. Too bad this particular trio only recorded one album. Don't miss out on this overlooked gem."

65 is more than 64

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 08/12/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Obviously every album Bill Evans released deserves to be listened and treasured. This one makes non exception. My simply aritmetical title wants to point out that Trio 65 is a better album than Trio 64. That's why I gave "only" four stars to this Bill's effort. I gave five to Trio 65 which to me is absolutly stellar, this one to me, is a little step lower (in their titles their destiny, 65, five stars, 64, four stars...). =)))They're very close anyway. But 65 is clearly better for me. It is clearly perceivable. I don't know if it depends more on the program or the line up. Gary Peacock is not my favourite double bass player. Of course I prefer La Faro, but I prefer Chuck Israel too. Motian is great but Larry Bunker is too on Trio 65. So probably it depends more on the program. Even if I love this program too, but in 65 I can't find a single moment that is not absolutly ahead and brilliant. There are unbelievable tunes in 65, Israel, Elsa, the Round Midnight version .. I don't know. 65 is pure magic, in 64 I find some "normal" moments here and there. The very best tunes here are the bouncing Little Lulu, A sleepin bee and Always. A very good thing is that here you have a lot of alternate takes which are always nice gifts. In 64 he's always Bill of course, so it is always a great pleasure, but 65 is magic. This is "simply" a very good album from one of the greatest and most unique piano players Jazz has ever produced. The norm for him."