BILL EVANS
Homecoming: Live At SE Louisiana University 1979 (Milestone)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

---

Any set of music that features the piano of the late Bill Evans is special, but this particular recording is particularly so for several reasons. First of all, the setting was particularly meaningful to Evans, who felt a genuine affection and debt of gratitude toward his alma mater. Secondly, Evans last trio, featuring bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joe LaBarbera, was one of his strongest, yet least recorded. (It's reported that the tapes were rolling at some concerts in 1980, but the only released material that followed this November 6, 1979 date is from his Paris concerts later the same month.) Third, but hardly finally, the CD includes a six minute interview that Evans did with the college radio station before his appearance on the stage where he had performed his senior recital 29 years previously. It provides a fascinating up close and personal glance at a man who did not know he was entering the last year of his life.

But for all of that, the most special feature of the album must be, and is, the music. The emotional quality that the venue inspired is palpable, and the set list features some of Evans' finest original material, including "Laurie" and "Turn Out The Stars," classic covers like "I Loves You Porgy" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" that were strongly associated with Evans and some less expected but brilliantly executed material, including Paul Simon's "I Do It For You" and the theme from M.A.S.H.

There's a wealth of excellent live material in the Bill Evans catalog, so it's difficult to rate this as essential, but it's at least excellent, which makes it very desirable indeed.

Track List:

Re: Person I Knew * Midnight Mood * Laurie * Song From M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless) * Turn Out The Stars * Very Early * But Beautiful * I Loves You, Porgy * Up With The Lark * Minha (All Mine) * I Do It For You * Someday My Prince Will Come * Interview

© 1999 - Shaun Dale