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Bill Evans: Live At Art D'Lugoff's Top of The Gate
ByAvailable in a deluxe two-CD package, Live also includes a 28-page booklet, complete with photographs, liner notes from producer Zev Feldman, Klabin, jazz critic Nat Hentoff and vibraphonist Gary Burton, as well as notes from Puerto Rican bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morellboth of whom performed that night as part of the Evans Trio. Another important feature of this outing is how the recording was done. Unlike many live recordings of the past where one microphone was usually the preferred method of capturing a concert, Klabin used three microphonesone for each playerand mixed the concert live, to produce the set's excellent sound quality.
Performing two sets of standards from The Great American Song Book, as well as jazz classics from Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, Evans' trio was, along with saxophonist Charles Lloyd's quartetwhich was performing downstairs at The Village Gatepart of an incredible double-bill during the week of this recording. Live features several firsts, including the first-ever Evans Trio recordings of "My Funny Valentine" and "Mother of Earl," and the first live recording of "Yesterdays." The album also serves to document Evans' only recording of Cy Coleman's "Witchcraft," and is believed to be his only recording at The Gate.
At the time of this gig, Evans and Gomez had been together for two years in what would eventually be an eleven-year association, while Morell had just joined the trio the week of the performance; still, the music tells a different story. Evans, Gomez and Morell are inseparable, playing off each other like a single unit as if they had been together for years. As might be expected, the pianist delivers many brilliant statements. Live At Art D'Lugoff's Top of The Gate is but a moment in time, capturing the iconic Evans at the top of his game in a recording that will certainly serve as a collector's itemand another chance to hear one of the greatest jazz pianist of all time.
Track Listing
CD1: Emily; Witchcraft; Yesterdays; Round Midnight; My Funny Valentine; California Here I Come; Gone With The Wind; Alfie; Turn Out The Stars. CD2: Yesterdays; Emily; Round Midnight; In A Sentimental Mood; Autumn Leaves; Someday My Prince Will Come; Mother of Earl; Here's That Rainy Day.
Personnel
Bill Evans
pianoBill Evans: piano; Eddie Gomez: bass; Marty Morell: drums.
Album information
Title: Live At Art D'Lugoff's Top Of The Gate | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Resonance Records