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Toward the end of his life and recording career,
Bill Evans
could be as frenetic as he was once cool; it was as if Bud Powell had crept into his handiwork. But the Bill Evans of this 1977 recording (perhaps because of the presence of Tommy LiPuma as co-producer?) was at his most melodic and dulcet, imbuing each note with dignity, poignancy, and a pastel ambience.
Let me say this differently. It is wrong to say one would be charmed by this recording, as that implies being lulled (and perhaps deceived). Rather, the seven selections form the original LP of this name are of a simple beauty that few could intentionally design or copy. “Gary’s Theme” has a grace that is indescribable; the slight kick given to the “Theme From M*A*S*H” carries one from the despondency of the topic of this song (suicide) to the calm allure that it offers; and the title work is a beautiful affirmation of hope and anticipation.
Three studio takes from this 1977 session, not released on the LP (including a rare, impishly taunting, high-note and slightly naughty original piano and electric piano evocation of “Freddie Freeloader,” the only “Kind of Blue” cut where Evans was replaced by Wynton Kelly) break the spell, too upbeat to mesh with the original album’s softness. A bonus, but not meant for listening with the first seven.
Go back to the LP configuration and play this into the night and again at dawn. Simply beautiful, remarkably enduring.
Release Date: 3 February 2004
Bill Evans:
You Must Believe in Spring (Rhino/Warner Bros)
1. B Minor Waltz (Evans) - 3:18
/ 2. You Must Believe in Spring (Legrand) - 5:46
/ 3. Gary's Theme (McFarland) - 4:22
/ 4. We Will Meet Again (For Harry) (Evans) - 4:04
/ 5. The Peacocks (Rowles) - 6:03
/ 6. Sometime Ago (Mihanovich) - 4:39
/ 7. Theme from M*a*s*h (AKA Suicide Is... (Mandel) - 6:02
// 8. Without a Song [*] (Eliscu/Rose/Youmans) - 8:09
9. Freddie Freeloader [*] (Davis) - 7:37
10. All of You [*] (Porter) - 8:09 [*=bonus tracks]
Personnel:
Bill Evans (piano); Eddie Gomez (bass); Elliot Zigmund (drums)
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last update 15 March 2004