Bill Evans

• Japanese Ultra-High Quality CD

• 4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

This album has the debut of drummer Marty Morell with Bill Evans and bassist Eddie Gomez, and this particular trio would retain the same personnel for six productive years. Actually, this is a quartet set with guest flutist Jeremy Steig, whose playing recalls Herbie Mann's recording (Nirvana) with Evans back in the early '60s.

Both flutists were always open to the influences of pop and rock, although in both of their collaborations with Evans, the music is very much on the pianist's turf. With the exception of Evans' "Time Out for Chris" and the "Spartacus Love Theme," the songs performed on this date would fit securely in the Miles Davis repertoire of the late '50s. Steig is in particularly fine form on the program which includes tunes such as "Straight No Chaser," "Autumn Leaves," and "So What."

PERSONNEL:

• Bill Evans (piano)
• Eddie Gomez (bass)
• Marty Morell (drums)
• Jeremy Steig (flute)

Recorded New York. on January 30, February 3, 4, 5, and March 11, 1969

TRACKS:

• 01. Straight No Chaser
• 02. Lover Man
• 03. What's New
• 04. Autumn Leaves
• 05. Time Out For Chris
• 06. Spartacus Love Theme
• 07. So What