Jim Witzel (guitar); Phil Aaron (piano); Dan Feiszli (bass); Jason Lewis (drums)
San Francisco born and bred Witzel pays tribute to pianist Bill Evans with this, his fourth album. Unlike most Evans' related albums the focus is, in the main, on the guitar although there are telling contributions from pianist Aaron to complement Witzel's lead.
Evans' music, being the introvert that he was, is very adaptable to being played by guitar. Cool (but not cold) and laid back. Advanced harmonies as modern today as they were then and as essential to today's aspiring pianists, guitarists or any player of a polyphonic instrument.
Although only two of the tunes on the album were composed by Evans - Very Early and Peri's Scope - the others being compositions long-associated with the pianist.
Aarons, bassist Feiszli and drummer Lewis slot easily into Evans' musical world as if to the manor born. The first time I heard Bill Evans recording of Some Other Time I remember thinking that this is now 'his' (Evans'). It probably still is but Witzel, Aaron and co. come close - almost too close to call.
Highly recommended although you may have to search for Very Early on eBay. That's the way the game is played these days! Lance
Beautiful Love; How my Heart Sings; Falling Grace; Solar; Very Early; Israel; Some Other Time; Nardis; Peri's Scope
No comments :
Post a Comment