(2021) Bill Evans – Quintessence + At Shelly’s Manne-Hole  


Review:
At Shelly’s Manne-Hole [1963]: Although the Scott LaFaro-Paul Motian lineup of the Bill Evans Trio is generally considered to be the strongest, Chuck Israels and Larry Bunker make a strong case of their own on At Shelly’s Manne-Hole, a 1964 release that finds the entire band in classic form. This particular trio may lack some of the sheer combustive force of the better-known lineup, but it is, if possible, even more sensitive, melancholic, and nostalgic than the previous band. The leadoff track, “Isn’t It Romantic,” is one of Evans’ finest moments, with the gently swinging theme leading into a strong, if restrained, solo from Israels. Over Bunker’s sensitive brush work, Evans comments briefly and beautifully on the theme before returning to the head. The band’s readings of such classics as “‘Round Midnight,” “Stella By Starlight,” and “All the Things You Are” are wonderful, but it is the lesser-known tracks, such as “Swedish Pastry” and the aforementioned “Isn’t It Romantic,” that makes this recording so valuable. Jazz is rarely as sensitive or as melodic as this. Another classic from Bill Evans and company. Quintessence [1976]: Most of pianist Bill Evans’ recordings were in a trio format, making this quintet date a nice change of pace. Evans’ all-star group consists of tenor saxophonist Harold Land, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Philly Joe Jones and the results are quite tasteful and explorative in a subtle way. This version of Thad Jones’ “A Child Is Born” is most memorable.





Track Listing:
Disc 1 - At Shelly’s Manne-Hole
1. Isn’t It Romantic? (4:43)
2. The Boy Next Door (5:27)
3. Wonder Why (5:19)
4. Swedish Pastry (5:58 )
5. Our Love Is Here To Stay (4:52)
6. ‘Round Midnight (9:08 )
7. Stella By Starlight (5:04)
8. Blues In ‘F’ (5:42)

Disc 2 - Quintessence
1. Sweet Dulcinea Blue (6:08 )
2. Martina (8:16)
3. Second Time Around (3:51)
4. A Child Is Born (7:34)
5. Bass Face (10:07)


Media Report:
Genre: jazz
Country: USA
Format: FLAC
Format/Info: Free Lossless Audio Codec, 16-bit PCM
Bit rate mode: Variable
Channel(s): 2 channels
Sampling rate: 44.1 KHz
Bit depth: 16 bits