This classic quintet recording established Evans as a bona fide band leader
Bill Evans Quintet – Interplay – Riverside Records RLP- 445 (1963)/Craft Recordings CR00855 [5/30/2025] Original Jazz Classics 180-gram stereo vinyl, 45:27 *****;
(Bill Evans – piano; Freddie Hubbard – trumpet; Jim Hall – guitar; Percy Heath – double bass; Philly Joe Jones – drums)
Bt the late 1950’s, Bill Evans had become a respected, in-demand session player. He recorded four albums with Miles Davis, including the iconic Kind Of Blue. It was evident that Evans would evolve into a band leader. Most of the music he played and recorded over the next few years was with trios, including one with Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones. He achieved stardom with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian. Many consider this lineup to be the best in the pianist’s illustrious career. Bill Evans would play in a variety of formats and have a prolific recording catalogue.
In 1963 Evans released a quintet (with a guitar replacing the saxophone) album, Interplay. It featured Freddie Hubbard, Jim Hall, Percy Heath and Philly Joe Jones. Craft Recordings (as part of the Original Jazz Classics series) has released a 180-gram vinyl cut from the original masters. The album’s track list is familiar with five covers and one original. But Evans’ acuity for the complexity of quintet arrangements elevates this project. Side 1 kicks off with an eclectic Broadway tune (“You And The Night And The Music”). This was a minor popular hit, but eventually became a jazz standard (Chet Baker, Keith Jarrett, Stan Getz, Julie London and Frank Sinatra).
The quintet opens with a harmonic lyrical first verse. Evans takes the first solo in percolating rhtyhm with right hand notation. He exudes a soulful approach. Hubbard takes over at the 2:32 mark with energy and precise articulation with almost no vibrato. Hall’s fluid solo also fits the artistic vision of this album with restrained improvisation. Jones and Heath stay in lockstep as Evans adds shading. In a considerable change of pace, the Disney classic from Pinocchio “When You Wish Upon A Star” is hushed and melancholic as Hubbard reinvents the familiar melody with subtle phrasing and inventive chording, while the rhythm section adds just enough tempo. Evans’ glowing play is compelling. Hall captures the late night aesthetics with his laid back riffs and interacts in counterpoint with Hubbard. A certain highlight is the swing vibe of “I’ll Never Smile Again”. Hubbard shins on muted trumpet with gossamer tonality and Hall offers a brisk run before Evans glides into up-tempo, aligning his musical point-of-view to one that is consistent with this ensemble. Jones’ drum solo and overall punctuated accents drive the jam.
A certain highlight is the lone original composition and title cut. There is a medium swing undercurrent and an unmistakeable blues resonance. Hall’s first solo has emotional depth and reflects the edgier atmospheric tapestry. Evans develops the finger-snapping cadence with graceful elocution, and Hubbard’s muted tones are perfect. Heath gets a well-deserved extended solo and unison play is effective. The session is committed to swing dynamics eschewing the customary low-key arrangement for “You Go To My Head”. Evans, Hubbard and Hall bristle with energy and Philly Joe Jones almost steals the show with a concise drum solo. Even with the change in tempo, the group never loses the melody and plays with great cohesion. The finale (“Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams”) starts off with a hi-hat drum and Hubbard’s crisp lead on the first verse. Evans’ play is heartfelt and jaunty. His generosity with the other two soloists is exceptional and it pays off!
Interplay is another gem in Craft Recordings’ Original Jazz Classics. The song selection reflects the core of jazz interpretation and band cohesion. The vinyl pressing (Kevin Gray/Cohearant Audio) is pristine with no hisses or pops and excellent stereo separation. This is a must for any jazz collection!
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Bill Evans Quintet – Interplay
TrackList:
Side 1: You And The Night And The Music; When You Wish Upon A Star; I’ll Never Smile Again
Side 2: Interplay; You Go To My Head; Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.
