Live In Paris 1972

This compilation collects the complete February 6, 1972 concert by the Bill Evans Trio that was first aired by A la Masion de la Radio in Paris and subsequently issued on two individual CDs by France's Concert. The pianist, joined by bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell, is in top form throughout the performance, even if the first half of the concert is a bit laid-back for Evans. But drawing from a walk of material, including numerous originals, there's also the haunting "Turn Out the Stars" and the bittersweet "The Two Lonely People," on which the trio gathers steam in the second half, with a wild romp through Evans' demanding "Twelve Tone Tune" and a delightfully breezy treatment of "Very Early" (showcasing Gomez), along with a moving rendition of Denny Zeitlin's gorgeous requiem "Quiet Now" among the highlights. The final track is from a Yugoslavian jazz festival recorded a few months later and previously issued on the Enja compilation Live at the Festival with British drummer Tony Oxley in Morell's place. Evidently due to lack of rehearsal and familiarity working with Evans, Oxley never really blends in very well with the pianist and Gomez in the extended workout of "Nardis." But due to the excellent performances by Evans and Gomez, this is a rewarding disc that returns once rare music to print. ~ Ken Dryden|