Craft Recordings releases an audiophile vinyl of a classic Bill Evans album!
Bill Evans Trio – Moon Beams – Riverside Recordings RLP-428 (1962)/Craft Recordings CR00856 [5/30/2025] Original Jazz Classics 180-gram stereo vinyl, 39:01 ****1/2:
(Bill Evans – piano; Chuck Israels – double bass; Paul Motian – drums
After the sessions for Kind Of Blue, Bill Evans was ascending jazz stardom. In 1959, he formed a trio with Scott LaFaro (double bass) and Paul Motian (drums). This ensemble became renowned as one of the essential units of modern jazz. They recorded two studio albums (Portrait In Jazz and Explorations), and two live albums (Sunday At The Village Vanguard and Waltz For Debby). After LaFaro’s untimely death, Evans went months without recording. He formed a new trio with Motian and Chuck Israels, which resulted in Moon Beams and How My Heart Sings. Like his prior albums, instrumental dexterity and collaboration were the focal points. Throughout Evans’ illustrious career, there would be other trios, duets, solo and larger ensembles that further defined his jazz legacy.
Craft Recordings has released a 180-gram vinyl of Moon Beams. The arrangements are entirely ballad-themed (a first for Evans). Any concerns on his readiness to re-engage modal/cool jazz at a high level are non-existent. Side 1 opens with an original composition, Re; The Person I Knew”. After a graceful spacious intro, Evans glides into a more rhythmic gentle swing flow. With Israels and Motian in a sustained groove, Evans alternates glowing accents and a firm touch. Israel’s executes a long nimble solo and Motian’s brush work is excellent. One of the highlights is a melancholic take on “Polka Dots And Moonbeams”. This was a pop song by then-teen idol Frank Sinatra. Evans re-invents the song with atmospheric shading and distills the essence of the lyrical melody. There are subtle tempo upticks. “I Fall In Love Too Easily” has a similar vision with hushed, melodic moments and palpable emotional undercurrents. His utilization of idiosyncratic timing and occasional flourishes make this an under three-minute gem. Song selection has always been a strong suit for this pianist. “Starway To The Stars” (which enjoyed huge commercial success for Glenn Miller) is a perfect vehicle for Evans’ tender articulation and radiant harmonics. Again the Motian brushes help to create a meditative resonance.
Todd Dameron’s “If You Could See Me Now” has a distinctive pedigree ( there was a classic performance by Sarah Vaughan in 1946). It has a jazzy feel with a near waltz-time signature. Chord manipulations and right-hand notation are flawless and the rhythm section meshes seamlessly. The cohesion of the trio is compelling. In the final half, there is muscular play intermingled with the soothing aesthetics. Evans’ grasp of wistful imagery permeates the Broadway standard, “It Might As Well Be Spring”. At the 3:00 mark, there is a transition to an understated buoyant up-tempo that returns to the core reverie. This may be the finest instrumental cover of Richard Rodgers. Slowing things down, “In Love In Vain” moves steadily, with a moody ambiance. The finale (a second original) “Very Early” is achy beautiful with fulsome chording, sensitive elocution and lilting rhythm. Evans delivers more soulful runs that add a different texture.
This is another accomplishment for Craft Recordings Original Jazz Classics. Each track is sequenced adroitly. The pressing (Kevin Gray/Cohearant Audio) is top notch and sounds dynamic.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Bill Evans Trio – Moon Beams
TrackList:
Side 1: Re; Person I Know; Polka Dots And Moonbeams; I Fall In Love Too Easily; Stairway To The Stars
Side 2: If You Could See Me Now; It Might As Well Be Spring; In Love In Vain; Very Early. 
