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


Review:
Live 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. — by Daniel Gioffre on AllMusic.com

Track List:
01. Sweet Dulcinea Blue
02. Martina
03. Second Time Around
04. A Child Is Born
05. Bass Face


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. — by Scott Yanow on AllMusic.com

Track List:
01. Isn't It Romantic
02. The Boy Next Door
03. Wonder Why
04. Swedish Pastry
05. Our Love Is Here To Stay
06. 'Round Midnight
07. Stella By Starlight
08. Blues In 'F'


   


Media Report:
Genre: Jazz
Country: Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Format: FLAC
Format/Info: Free Lossless Audio Codec
Bit rate mode: Variable
Channel(s): 2 channels
Sampling rate: 44.1 KHz
Bit depth: 16 bits
Compression mode: Lossless
Writing library: libFLAC 1.2.1 (UTC 2007-09-17)


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