Bill Evans - Trio 64 (1964)

Jazz Lossless Exact Audio Copy, log file FLAC separated 344MB CD covers & booklet Verve 1997
This is Evans's first trio date under his own name for Verve, and the deep communication he maintains throughout with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian, two brilliant rhythm players still very active on the scene, is as remarkable today as it was in '64. This release, taken from the unprecedented 18-CD "Complete Bill Evans on Verve," includes every alternative take in the box set.This is Evans's first trio date under his own name for Verve, and the deep communication he maintains throughout with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian, two brilliant rhythm players still very active on the scene, is as remarkable today as it was in '64. This release, taken from the unprecedented 18-CD "Complete Bill Evans on Verve," includes every alternative take in the box set.Review (by Lindsay Planer)

Joining Bill Evans (piano) on Trio '64 (1964) -- his initial first three-piece recording for Verve -- is the compact rhythm section of Gary Peacock (bass) and Paul Motian (drums). The effort spotlights their communal and intuitive musical discourse, hinging on an uncanny ability of the musicians to simultaneously hear and respond. All the more interesting, Evans had not interacted in this setting before, having most recently worked with Chuck Israels (bass) and Larry Bunker (drums). The personable opener "Little Lulu" features the aggregate melodically moulding individual and distinct sonic characteristics. Evans' nimble and emphatic syncopation is not only ably supported, but framed by Peacock's expressive runs and Motian's acute sense of timing. "A Sleeping Bee" is one of the collection's most endearing selections as the groove playfully scintillates surrounding some hauntingly poignant chord changes. Evans bandies back and forth with Peacock, the latter likewise providing a stellar solo. "Always" captures a similar effervescence as the instrumentalists ebb and flow in synchronicity. Since the December 18 session was held the week before Christmas 1963, they fittingly tote out "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," creating a minor masterpiece of post-bop from what could easily have started as a spontaneous seasonal suggestion. Noλl Coward's "I'll See You Again" bears a brisk waltz persona, enabling the unit to fluently weave their offerings without obstructing the otherwise affective tune. Concluding Trio '64 is Rodgers & Hart's standard "Everything Happens to Me" with an unhurried tempo lingering just long enough to embrace the familiar refrain. Evans sparkles, gliding around Peacock's full-bodied bass lines and Motian's solid, yet restrained beat. The 1997 20-bit Verve Master Edition includes eight supplementary sides ranging from alternate takes of "Little Lulu," "Always" and "I'll See You Again" to the unissued "My Heart Stood Still." The contents can also be found on the 18-volume Complete Bill Evans on Verve box set.

Track list

1. Little Lulu

2. A Sleepin' Bee

3. Always

4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

5. I'll See You Again

6. For Heaven's Sake

7. Dancing In The Dark

8. Everything Happens To Me

9. Little Lulu (Alternative Take)

10. Little Lulu (Alternative Take)

11. Always (Alternative Take)

12. I'll See You Again (Alternative Take)

13. My Heart Stood Still

14. Always (Breakdown)

15. I'll See You Again (Breakdown)

16. My Heart Stood Still (False Starts)

Personnel :

Bill Evans - Piano

Paul Motian - Drums

Gary Peacock - Bass

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