Customer Reviews

Portrait in Jazz

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The Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian is arguably the greatest jazz three-piece of all time. Unfortunately, Scott LaFaro's tragic death left only a handful of recordings to cherish. Recently, we have been lucky enough to get a few more morsels to savour -- an eye-opening extra take of "Gloria's Step" on the recently remastered The Complete Village Vanguard Recordings, 1961, and even the historical document (the sound is too poor to call it an "album"), The 1960 Birdland Sessions. When I recently discovered that the remastered "Keepnews Collection" edition of "Portrait in Jazz" contained two additional bonus tracks -- an alternate take of "Come Rain or Come Shine" and a first take of "Blue in Green" -- not featured on the original OJC issue, I simply had to replace my disc. The telepathic musical communication so easily achieved at the Vanguard is just beginning to form here, but the alternates are a wonderful way to witness its development. With the 50th anniversary of this album approaching on December 28th, enjoy this expanded "Portrait" of legendary jazz.

I've had the original CD release of this classic 1959 Bill Evans trio session but when Orrin Keepnews re-released this with some discovered bonus takes, I had to purchase this disc. If you want an introduction to one of the greatest jazz trios of all time--you can't go wrong on this disc! Evans with co-horts, the late bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian revoluntionized the trio format by performing as colloborators rather than the usual concept of piano supported then by bass and drums--everyone had in voice of their own!! This actually was nothing new in jazz since Duke Ellington had duets with Jimmy Blanton and Bud Powell had some runnings with bassist George Duvivier but Evans pushed this to a higher level with his interactions with LaFaro and Motian. The 24 bit processing also creates a veil of space and airness to a normally dry recording. I've never really liked the way Riverside recorded Bill's piano after hearing him in person but at least this newly remastered recording is a step forward. Definitely recommended for fans of jazz piano and trios!!

PORTRAIT IN JAZZ: BILL EVANS TRIO is quite simply GRACE in Trio form expressing itself as Jazz. There is an intensity at the heart of the music on this album - and an effortlessness. There is a BEAUTY revealing itself at every moment of the musical expression on this album by Bill Evans (Piano), Scott LaFaro (Bass), and Paul Motian (Drums). I purchased it on Amazon,and couldn't be more pleased with it. I've never been affected by a pianist as I have by Bill Evans. His lyricism, touch, the sheer depth of feeling he penetrated into, his introspection as an artist all combine into a quality, a presence - musically, that makes him, quite simply, one of a kind. He found his musical soul mates in Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian. They were together for only a moment. But thank whatever that is that brought them together. There's not much more to say. PORTRAIT IN JAZZ is musical perfection. Words don't quite get to the heart of explaining or getting a hold of such a thing as GRACE. All one can really do is to be hungry for it. And, when or if, whatever that mysterious force is, it chooses to present itself to us - receive it.

having seen Bill Evans playing solo at the Village Gate in 1967 I knew his sound was different then anyone else. With this Trio we hear great interplay. Scott La faro sound was beautiful. Paul Motion easily matched their great musicianship. Glad to have this album back this time on cd

I started with "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" and moved on to the famous Village Vanguard sessions. The first was interesting but not awesome. The second was downright disappointing (lots of background noise, slow, brooding tunes, incredibly distracting drum work by Motian). One day I caught a radio cut from this CD and was so impressed that I ordered it. Wow! A great CD. Nice selection of standards, nice variety of tempos and lots of great piano virtuosity. Apparently Bill was feeling good for this recording session. I heard lots of great licks that I hadn't heard on the others. Aside from Motian's strange drumming, this is really pleasurable CD, worth many hours of study.

Any self respecting jazz fan knows that Bill Evans holds a special place in piano jazz history. His recordings are eloquent and soft spoken yet complex in design. If you have any of his albums it's likely that you listen to him while reading the paper or tidying the house, as a sort of white noise that can never really be white.

This album is no exception and it's appeal is in it's selections. Each track seems carefully selected and I can't stop listening to it and thinking that it was made just for me... but of course we know that isn't true.

Enjoy it.

It's Bill and words can not describe his genius. Perfect music from the first note to the last.

Over the years, Bill Evans's artistic height has become not only a remarkable reference for the future generations; he shines with his inimitable style and sheer refinement.

The poet of jazz per excellence, simply doesn't need unnecessary introductions. It's useless to state his very name is synonymous of refinement and good taste, no matter how young or old you are.

In memory of his genius!