Bill Evans Trio's 1964 Live Jazz Performances Captured on New Album

The jazz world is set to embrace another treasure from the adorned repertoire of Bill Evans, the eminent late jazz pianist, with the upcoming release of a new live album. The album, titled 'Tales — Live in Copenhagen (1964)', shines a light on a collection of performances that have remained unheard until now, offering a glimpse into the talent that manifested during Evans' initial European journey.

Return to Roots Through European Classical Influence

At the heart of Evans' unparalleled sound is his foundation in European classical music, giving his jazz interpretations a unique twist that still resonates with enthusiasts and musicians alike. 'Tales' aptly captures that essence, serving as a historical account of his early interactions with the European audience.

Album Release Details

Music lovers eager for this archival masterpiece can look forward to its vinyl debut, scheduled for Record Store Day on November 24. A CD edition is also planned for release just a week later, on December 1. This release is brought to the public by Elemental Music, who previously offered a delightful two-CD set of Evans' later performances in Denmark from 1965 to 1969, known as 'Treasures'.

Inside the Album

With a total of 11 tracks, primarily featuring Evans in synchrony with bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker, 'Tales' includes renditions of numbers that the trio had long since added to their musical inventory. This practice and familiarity transpire into performances that boast inventiveness and a joyous blend of rhythm and melody.

Fans can expect to hear a dazzling display of Evans' trademark rhythmic innovation. For example, Evans presents 'How My Heart Sings' with an animated piano performance, and the trio's rendition of 'Waltz for Debby' encapsulates the kind of spirit and grace listeners have come to cherish. The album also features the solemn 'My Foolish Heart', which soon blossoms into a melodic joy, amongst other lyrical pieces like 'I Didn't Know What Time It Was' — a Rodgers-Hart classic, said to be Evans' singular recording of the tune.

Sound Quality and Influence

Despite the half-century that has passed, the sound quality of the album impressively stands the test of time, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves into the early expressions of Evans' myriad of musical influences, from jazz greats like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk to classical composers like Debussy and Beethoven.

jazz, album, piano