BILL EVANS
Portrait In Jazz (Riverside)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Reviewing an album of this stature is a bit like offering a critical appraisal of the Gospel of John. It is what it is, and almost everyone who cares enough about jazz to read this review already knows that it was the breakthrough album by one of the greatest pianists in the history of jazz fronting one of the greatest piano trios in the history of jazz. Following on the heels of his work on the Miles Davis classic, Kind Of Blue, Bill Evans entered the studio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian and created a classic of his own. The original CD release was expanded to include alternate cuts of "Autumn Leaves" and "Blue In Green," further enriching the value of this invaluable musical statement.

What's new, and worth mention, is that Riverside has re-released the album as part of its 20-Bit K2 Super Coding line, providing a level of aural clarity that enhances the musical near-perfection of the album. While the album itself has always been a central part of a complete jazz library, it's now been issued in a definitive format. If you don't have it, have it this way. If you do have it, it's an upgrade worth considering.

Track List:

Come Rain Or Come Shine * Autumn Leaves (take 1) * Autumn Leaves (take 2) * Witchcraft * When I Fall In Love * Peri's Scope * What Is This Thing Called Love * Spring Is Here * Someday My Prince Will Come * Blue In Green (take 3) * Blue In Green (take 2)

© 2002 - Shaun Dale