Bill Evans' Last Trio was His best
Kevin J. Roberts | 01/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The last trio led by Bill Evans, with Marc Johnson on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums, was his greatest and Evans said that many times. His playing and composing reached new heights and this recording is one of the few available (the two 8CD boxsets, of his last extended engagement just before his death, are another great document). Please ignore the other review, apparently by someone not familiar with Evans' great resurgence in his last year. The Paris concert, released officially, may be somewhat better recorded, but this is essential."
If you love the box set Turn Out the Stars, get this too.
Robert Wade Cottingham | Dallas, TX | 10/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"review of CD: Bill Evans, The Last European Concert, The Complete Bad Honningen Performance 1980 on the Gambit label
Near the BEGINNING of his career, Bill Evans made a trio recording that explored delicacy (as heard on 'Live at the Village Vanguard', 'Waltz for Debby', or the box set of same). When I first heard these recordings I hated them. I was young and ignorant of what the trio was doing or how to listen. Later on in life, I heard those sessions as so perfect, way perfect. Anyway -- delicacy, sensuality, and of course, the communication of the three members of the group.
In the FINAL years of his career and life, the final trio which he loved so much, explored power. And trio communication. And sensuality. The box set 'Turn Out The Stars', listened to at full, realistic volume, is some of the most powerful music ever. He stated once at the Vanguard that he had 'every molecule in the room moving'. Or maybe he said 'percolating', or 'shimmering'. That takes some power. Or some cocaine. But how will it sound to YOU is what's important.
So, review-reader, what do you want to know about the CD in question, the Complete Bad Honningen Performance 1980? Here is what I think you must know:
It's extremely well-recorded. It's almost as good as the 'Turn Out the Stars' box set. The piano sound is completely clear and warm. The instrument has an unusually powerful bass end, which Bill Evans uses thunderously to end several tunes. Marc Johnson's bass is extremely live and feel-able and clear. The drums are fine, but could be a little clearer. I rarely complain that jazz trio recordings have too LITTLE drums. But here, if there is any slight flaw in a CD so great, it is that the drums could be a shade hotter. The drums are THERE, they are not missing or anything, but maybe not quite so clear in this recording and mix as compared to the box set 'Turn Out the Stars'.
What about the playing, the performance? The playing on this CD is the kind of art that tells your critical brain, "You are not needed at this time". What a flow! Go with it. Dang it, if you need supporting detail for this statement, I don't know. Don't buy this CD if you want supporting detail.
I hope these comments help your purchase decision. If you LOVE the 'Turn Out the Stars' box set,
this concert recording will do it for your love.
"
Initially Good, but very rushed set
Matt H. Evans | Arlington, VA | 05/12/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The first two songs on this CD are great - Letter to Evan which opens with Bill playing solo and the second song, Yet Never Broken about his drug habit. However, most of the remaining songs are not Bill Evans at his best. The photo's on this CD also are very painful - Evans looks close to death. For those Evans fans who must listen to everything, this CD is probably worth it just for the first two songs. However, for casual Evans fans, I would suggest other recent releases: Live in Ottawa 1974 and Live at Balboa Jazz Club."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
