Affinity

Bill Evans | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000002KK0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,574 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

EVANS BILL AFFINITY

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Evans and Theilemans - inspirational, July 3, 2004

By 

JayMusic "jaymusic" (NJ, United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Affinity (Audio CD)

Recorded in 1978 with the legendary jazz harmonica player and composer Toots Theilemans("Bluesette"), this album represents several "firsts" for Bill Evans. These are his first versions of Paul Simon's beautiful "I Do It For Your Love", and the standard "Days of Wine and Roses" (Not counting the "V.I.P Theme" muzak record)- -two tunes that stayed firmly in the trio's repertoire till the very end.

It is also the first Evans release to feature bassist extraordinaire Marc Johnson. This is an essential album -- and some of Evans' most inspired later-period playing. His use of the electric piano on some tracks blends beautifully with Toot's warm melodicism, egging Bill on to some stunning work as an accompanist and soloist -- and the two jazz masters are in rare form throughout. "Affinity" can also boast of one of the most fluid and creatively soulful recorded versions of the classic "Body and Soul" in all of jazz.

Theilemans later regarded the sessions for "Affinity" as his favorite!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect rainy-day jazz CD., June 18, 2000

By 

Miles D. Moore (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Affinity (Audio CD)

As the title suggests, Bill Evans and Toots Thielemans really do have an affinity for each other's work. Evans's piano and Thielemans's harmonica are mellow and meditative on this CD, capturing many lovely shades of blue. Whether performing an original like "Sno' Peas" or a cover of one of Paul Simon's more obscure songs, "I Do It For Your Love," Evans and Thielemans create the perfect aural backdrop for watching the rain from your living-room window, a good cup of Moka Java or glass of Merlot in hand.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toot Thielemans At His Best, February 14, 2002

By 

peter krampert (eharmonica.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Affinity (Audio CD)

Jazz harmonica master Jean "Toots" Thielemans has often cited this album as being his favorite performance. A quick listen will quickly reveal why Toots feels so strongly about this work.

Toots has been the undisputed grandmaster of Jazz harmonica since the 1950's, playing with just about everyone from Benny Goodman to stints with George Shearing, Quincy Jones and other reknowned Jazz giants. He pioneered Bee-Bop harmonica and can be heard on the soundtracks of movies from "The Pawnbroker" to "Midnight Cowboy" to "The Getaway" and more. He's recorded dozens of great albums as well as making guest appearances on hundreds of recordings.

Paired here with piano great Bill Evans, Toots plays with a mastery and sensitivity that I can only stand in awe of. Like a spring, notes pour out of Toots effortlessly, each hitting at exactly the right moment in the song. Technically, it is a masterpiece. Toots also shows the ability to know when to back off, letting the spaces speak for themselves. During those quiet moments he leaves you wanting to hear more. Every moment of this CD is a joy.

This recording is a monumental piece of Jazz and one the the greatest pieces of Jazz harmonica ever produced. I strongly recommend that you give this CD a whirl.