Bill Rose

Bill Evans - The Complete Bill Evans On Verve (1997) [Verve]
EACRip | FLAC (tracks)+No CUE+No LOG (only in folders)-> Total Size: 6.79 GB ; CD1: 373 MB ; CD2: 373 MB ; CD3: 388 MB ; CD4: 409 MB
CD5: 415 MB ; CD6: 459 MB ; CD7: 383 MB ; CD8: 416 MB ; CD9: 269 MB
CD10: 342 MB ; CD11: 407 MB ; CD12: 393 MB ; CD13: 423 MB ; CD14: 391 MB
CD15: 367 MB ; CD16: 430 MB ; CD17: 372 MB ; CD18: 186 MB | Full HQ Artwork Scans -> 148 MB
© 1997 Polygram | 527953
Jazz / Cool Jazz / Post-Bop

While its sheer bulk negates its interest to a general audience, The Complete Bill Evans on Verve is an essential library piece for any serious jazz fan or historian. Spanning 18 CDs, 269 tracks and 21 hours, the box set includes all of Evans' recordings for the label between 1962 and 1969, including 19 albums, two previously unreleased albums and 98 previously unreleased tracks. During these years, the pianist made some of his greatest music, including his legendary Village Vanguard sessions, and the set charts all of his changes, as he plays with his trio and as a solo artist, as well as a rare session with a rhythm quartet and strings. While the set itself could be a little more user-friendly – it's encased in a steel box, with a 160-page booklet and an 18-disc fanpack on separate shelves – the music itself is nearly flawless and nearly essential for most serious jazz fans.

Eight lively, virtuosic Bill O Connell originals, plus two 20th century classics by Thelonius Monk ( Round Midnight ) and Kurt Weill ( Speak Low ). Monk's signature composition has been totally re-harmonized here, and Paquito D Rivera s sweet-toned clarinet work is the perfect complement to O Connell s lush chords. Bill s colorful career is notable for his extensive accomplishments in both Latin music and modern jazz, from serving as Mongo Santamaria s pianist; through his long association with flutist Dave Valentin; to working with Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Gato Barbieri, and the fabled Fort Apache Band; followed by a stellar career as a band leader and solo artist since the 1990s.

Pianist Bill O'Connell's Triple Play (Savant, 2008) turned traditional notions of piano trio instrumentation on their head, and this album is a logical outgrowth and expansion of that particular project. While that outing had a consistent three man line-up that married O'Connell's piano with conga drummer/percussionist Richie Flores' engaging rhythm work and the fine flute playing of Dave Valentin, Triple Play Plus Three uses Valentin's spot as a revolving hot seat. The flautist returns for three numbers, including a mellow alto flute feature ("Lake Road") and an energetic romp dedicated to the great Eddie Palmieri ("Mr. E.P."), but elsewhere, his position is assumed by two equally elite Latin jazz musicians.

Another fine outing from Nick! Enjoy the new era-worm.