Bill Evans – Evans in England – Resonance Records HLP 9037 – 180 gm Vinyl mono 2 LP limited edition of 4000 – 1969 – ****1/2
(Bill Evans – piano; Eddie Gomez – acoustic bass; Marty Morell – drums)
Resonance Records has provided fans of iconic pianist, Bill Evans, with continuing gifts of previously unreleased live recordings. Beginning in 2012, with a release of a live recording at the Top of the Gate club, in New York City, Resonance has collaborated now four times with Evans’ estate. The latest release, Evans in England, (available in a hand numbered limited edition LP pressing of 4000, as well as a 2 CD issue) may top them all, and its discovery is both convoluted and fascinating.
The mono tapes recorded at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London during an extended engagement in December, 1969, had remained a mystery for nearly 50 years. Several sets of Evans’ trio were surreptitiously recorded by a devoted fan, identified later only, as “Jo.” Jo lived in Europe, and followed Bill around the continent with a hidden tape recorder and mic, and Evans begrudgingly allowed the recording, as he got to recognize this admirer.
In July 2016,when Jo turned 84, he decided that it was time to share some of his Bill Evans’ tapes before he passed away. He approached Leon Terjanian, who had produced, Turn Out the Stars, a documentary about Bill. Leon knew who to contact about this new treasure: Zev Feldman, AKA: “jazz detective,” and co-president of Resonance Records, who had with the cooperation of the Evans’ estate, brought to life other live recordings of Evans.
What makes this new issue so special is the acoustic quality of the recording. Jo used a Beyerdynamic mic, set on the floor between the piano and bass, connected to a Uher tape recorder hidden underneath a tablecloth. What is so incredible is how crisp the recording sounds, with the “woody” tone of the bass and the spot-on percussion of the drum skins and sticks so vibrant. The LPs have been mastered by Bernie Grundman, and pressed by RTI, definitely first class treatment.
Bill’s trio at the time consisted of Eddie Gomez on bass, and Marty Morell on drums. They had been with him for one year in 1969, and continued with Evans until 1974, becoming the longest tenured trio that Bill ever had. Even at just a year together, their communication was already fully symbiotic. Gomez easily held his own with Bill, whether comping or in extended solo. Marty Morell was one of the more energetic drummers that accompanied Evans, equally at home on sensitive ballads, but spurring on Bill on the more upbeat material. Morell even changed his cymbals during the Ronnie Scott engagement, going from Zildjian, to Paiste Flat Rides (without a “bell”) to keep from overpowering Evan’s piano during the more gentle ballads and waltz time tunes.
The eighteen tracks presented are a mix of standards, Evans’ originals, and some numbers that were debuted here (“Sugar Plum,” “The Two Lonely People”), later to become part of Bill’s repertoire. Monk’s “Round Midnight,” and Miles Davis “So What” get the Evan’s treatment. Gomez’ muscular pluck of the bass strings, and Morell’s deft stick work get equal time with Bill’s piano mastery.
Stand out tunes include the joyous upbeat “Our Love is Here to Stay” as well as gorgeous renderings of Evans’ classics, “Stella By Starlight,” “My Foolish Heart” and “Waltz for Debby.” The 16 bar blues, “Re: Person I Knew,” (an anagram for jazz impresario Orrin Keepnews), is moody and intriguing. What stands out in many of the live performances here, is the increase in intensity that Evans brings with more gentle intros leading to an emotional crescendo, that is fostered by bass and drums. There is an equal mix of the gentle and introspective, with the more upbeat tunes that garner attention. It’s a mixture of honey, and a good jolt of fine whiskey.
This fine addictive music is also available in a 2 CD set. Both include an insert with archival photos, essays by Zev Feldman and jazz writer, Marc Myers, as well as interviews with bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer, Marty Morell, both surviving members, who heap praise upon the legendary Bill Evans. This is a must purchase for fans of Bill. Here’s hoping that the jazz detective, Mr. Feldman, has a few more tricks/treats up his sleeve.
Track Listing:
Side A:
Our Love is Here to Stay
Sugar Plum
Stella By Starlight
My Foolish Heart
Side B:
Waltz for Debby
‘Round Midnight
The Two Lonely People
Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
Side C:
Elsa
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life
Turn Out the Stars
Re: Person I Knew
Goodbye
Side D:
Come Rain or Come Shine
Very Early
So What
Midnight Mood
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
—Jeff Krow
Mote Information on this release from Resonance Records Website:
