Search - Bill Evans :: Ultimate Bill Evans

Penultimate, at best.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 10/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This certainly is not the ultimate collection of material by one of the most influential voices in jazz of the last 50 years. The early Village Vanguard sessions with Scott LaFaro are ignored as is the late period which witnessed a rejuvenated Evans and a brilliant outpouring of his romantic genius, in part due to the solid, empathetic support of bassist Marc Johnson (neither LaFaro nor Johnson appears on any of the present selections). The 1968 version of "I Loves You Porgy," included in the present collection, pales considerably alongside Evans' interpretation of the same tune on the 1979 "Paris Concerts" collection (a double album that is admittedly not easy to obtain at present). Frankly, I'm less disappointed in the material (Evans always has something worthwhile to offer) than in Herbie for apparently failing to do his homework very thoroughly or carefully."

For casual fans, there is a better compliation available...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 09/27/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is not "bad" but I think it is of more interest to musicians, especially piano players, than it will be to the more casual jazz fan. The tunes were chosen by fellow great Herbie Hancock, and reflect his opinion of Evans' artistry. For my listening tastes, the collection "Best of Bill Evans on Verve" is a better buy. The tunes on that one are more fun, and hold up better on repeated listening. I love music, but have no talent for it. Those with keyboard talent may enjoy this group of selections more."