Search - Bill Evans, Toots Theilemans :: Affinity

Evans and Theilemans - inspirational

JayMusic | NJ, United States | 07/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in 1978 with the legendary jazz harmonica player and composer Toots Theilemans("Bluesette"), this album represents several "firsts" for Bill Evans. These are his first versions of Paul Simon's beautiful "I Do It For Your Love", and the standard "Days of Wine and Roses" (Not counting the "V.I.P Theme" muzak record)- -two tunes that stayed firmly in the trio's repertoire till the very end. It is also the first Evans release to feature bassist extraordinaire Marc Johnson. This is an essential album -- and some of Evans' most inspired later-period playing. His use of the electric piano on some tracks blends beautifully with Toot's warm melodicism, egging Bill on to some stunning work as an accompanist and soloist -- and the two jazz masters are in rare form throughout. "Affinity" can also boast of one of the most fluid and creatively soulful recorded versions of the classic "Body and Soul" in all of jazz. Theilemans later regarded the sessions for "Affinity" as his favorite!"

Two master melodists

John T. O'Connor | Ohio | 06/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Evans had fur tipped fingers. Somehow, his playing was always softer and more mellow and melodic than any other jazz pianists of his time. Add to that the master of melody that Toots was, and you have a beautiful CD. It's not all soft and sweet, though. Both musicians could swing, too, and they swing a bit on this CD, too. A really nice jazz CD, with some really fine jazz musicians."