Bill Evans - Another Time

Label/Year: Resonance Records, 2017

Lineup - Bill Evans: piano; Eddie Gomez: bass; Jack DeJohnette: drums.

Iconic jazz pianist Bill Evans doesn’t need an introduction. He will have his name rolling on the jazz circuit again with the release of a new album on Resonance Records. Another Time comes in the sequence of the double-CD Some Other Time: The Lost Session from the Black Forest and was recorded live at the Netherlands Radio Unit in Hilversum on June 22, 1968, when the pianist performed with one of his many emblematic trio formations, this time featuring the amazing Eddie Gomez on bass and Jack DeJohnette on drums.

The album includes six classic standards and three scintillating originals where we can find the trio at the peak of its capabilities. Even discerning a slight static noise in the background, the sound is pretty good overall, and the swinging animosity of “You’re Gonna Hear From Me”, the opening tune, makes us forget it right away.

Evans’ first known tune, “Very Early”, was paced at mid-tempo with the usual emotional passion sprouting from mesmerizing melodies, opportune rhythmic figures, and an array of other magical ideas. Gomez’s tremendously diatonic appeal is spread through expressive individual statements, not only on this tune but also on “Who Can I Turn To?” and Miles Davis’ “Nardis”, in which he excels in the company of DeJohnette. The drummer reserves a considerable amount of time for himself, in a phenomenal demonstration of his rhythmic skills. 

Evans also abdicates from the spotlight on the bass-driven “Embraceable You”, while on “Alfie” and “Turn Out the Stars” he conveys the intimate, moving, and almost tearful ambiances he got known for.

The motivic “Five” gets a more adventurous treatment, swinging hastily but not without sensitivity, to finish the recording in style.

Bill Evans is flawless and Another Time could also be called 'Another Treasure'.

          Grade A

          Grade A

Favorite Tracks: 
02 – Very Early ► 08 – Turn Out the Stars ► 09 – Five