Treasures - Solo, Trio & Orchestral Records from Denmark (1965-69)

Product Information

Treasures" celebrates the revered legacy of Bill Evans, showcasing not only the musician's technical prowess, but also his profound emotional depth. Despite the music’s rigid structure, the precision with which Evans played allowed for emotional intensity to burst from the music in and between every note.

Too aptly named, Treasures is an archival release featuring recordings that pianist, composer, and musical icon Bill Evans made for Danish radio between 1965 and 1969. As a carefully curated compilation, "Treasures" presents a rare and invaluable snapshot of the pianist's creative journey, and encompasses his unparalleled ability to communicate emotion through his fingers. Come Rain or Shine’ opens with a piano flourish so alive one almost doesn’t care whether the main melody ever arrives.Pick up any live recording of any incarnation of the Bill Evans Trio and the odds are good that you’ll find a version (or two) of Waltz for Debby, Time Remembered or Nardis. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform.

So savor it and savor this indelible 2cd (3lp) set of Evans' intimate magic brought to us by the the intrepid investigative team of master jazz sleuth, Zev Feldman. For me, there’s something slightly vexing about hearing a jazz pianist backed by an orchestra of this size, if only because I struggle to hear the loose interplay to which I’m accustomed. Highlights of the collection include trio performances from 1965 featuring legendary Danish jazz bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen; the only solo piano version of 'My Funny Valentine' by Evans known to exist; a 1966 orchestral suite performed with the Evans trio accompanied by the Danish Radio Big Bandconducted by trumpeter/arranger Palle Mikkelborg; and much more!This even though Evans probably didn’t give these sessions much thought once they were over—he was a busy man during these years, always on the way to the next gig. The beautifully designed triple gatefold LP set showcases previously unpublished photos by Jan Persson from Evans’ Danish tours, as well as insightful liner notes by acclaimed author, journalist and Evans scholar, Marc Myers, plus interviews and statements from Danish drummer Alex Riel, music journalist, Danish producer and Evans discographer Peter Larsen, Palle Mikkelborg, Evans’ longtime trio mates - bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell, and pianists Ran Blake and Matthew Shipp. Evans and Gomez were like two halves of one musical mind, and it’s always fascinating to hear them together, as Gomez moves easily between supporting rhythm, undergirding the harmonic foundation, and playing melodic leads. Riel sounds a tad less driving than Dawson and this performance feels a little more dreamy and introspective than the first – but no less interesting for that, as attested by (for example) Riel’s subtle brushwork on the first of the versions of Time Remembered.

I'm going to give it another chance - just compared to some of the other jazz RSD releases, this one was one of the most expensive and the least rewarding. An official Elemental Music release in collaboration with the Bill Evans Estate, Treasures is a 'holy grail' discovery culled from the private collection of Norwegian jazz musician Ole Matthiessen and released for the very first time as a limited-edition 180-gram 3LP deluxe set.

On the standards ‘Stella by Starlight’ and ‘Autumn Leaves’, Evans, and his trio, including his long-time bassist Eddie Gomez crackle with sparks and life, the trio members taking their place as genuine contributors to the song as it unfolds. Danish drummer Alex Riel commands the chair for the next five trio runs, nearly a month later, and Evans and Pedersen haven't missed a beat, alloying "I Should Care," "Very Early," and "Waltz for Debby" with a pristine optimism and a joy for playing. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995.