Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » John Lewis: Evolution

John Lewis: Evolution

By Mike Neely
February 1, 2000
View read count

John Lewis's solo piano release "Evolution" has the feel of a master playing for himself alone in a room in a manner that is entirely focused on the development of the music as he plays. There is a mindfulness that comes up through the pauses and spaces of his refined, emotional style. At times it seems the listener is eavesdropping on an intimate conversation between Lewis and his music.

One of the highlights of this CD is a gospel jazz composition entitled "For Ellington, which much like Ellington's subtle piano pieces deepens with each hearing beyond its surface simplicity. This cut is a "tribute" in the best sense of the word, both moving and sincere. Of the eleven cuts on the disc five are Lewis compositions, including a striking interpretation of the Modern Jazz Quartet classic "Django" which Lewis frames in an ominous tango-like feel. Lewis also covers "Sweet Georgia Brown, Willow Weep For Me, Cherokee, and other standards with an extraordinary precision of thought and emotion. John Lewis wastes not a note in this wonderful CD, and we are the luckier for it.

Track Listing

Sweet Georgia Brown; September Song; Afternoon in Paris; Two Degrees East,Three Degrees West; I'll Remember April; Django; Willow Weep For Me; Cherokee; For Ellington; Don't Blame Me;At The Horse Show.

Personnel

John Lewis

piano

John Lewis, solo piano.

Album information

Title: Evolution | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Atlantic Jazz

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Ron Carter: Brazilian Charm
< Previous

Ipsis Quest
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.