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There was a time when a jazz musician could find a week-long gig; where the jazz fan would attend several nights of that engagement; and where, although each night’s repertoire would repeat some songs, the music would be sufficiently varied, and sufficiently creative, to give the listener something new and a deeper appreciation of the performer.
Those aspects of the jazz scene are recalled on
Consecration: The Final Recordings, Part 2, an 8-CD compilation of an eight-night stand of pianist
Why? Here is Evans, the romantic-styled pianist, with those rhapsodic streams of notes and the ability to use space in balladry to make the listener breathless in anticipation; Evans, the fan of the trio format where bass and drums framed his artistry yet stood on their own as strong partners. Here is Evans the composer—and Evans the musician who could mine a television theme (M.A.S.H.'s "Suicide is Painless") for its melodic interest and transform it to a work of fascination, a powerhouse of jazz’s essence, swing—and a man making himself anew after thirty years in jazz.
For here Evans was not just a remembrance of his past but a transformer, one who decided to add a propulsive dynamic to his style and utilize that either as a discrete additive or as an approach to an entire work (as in the first of several takes of the song from M.A.S.H., when Evans pounded the keys mercilessly in pursuit of his improvisations before finally lapsing back to a softer but still pulsing rendering of the melody).
There is no tedium in hearing multiple takes, over the course of this collection, of "Tiffany," "Laurie," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," and "My Romance"; and the more rare appearances of "Someday My Prince Will Come," "Letter to Evan" or "You and the Night and the Music" show both the pianist’s depth and the virtue of attending multiple nights of this gig—one never knows what will be played.
It is clear that Evans was aware, if not of his impending demise, of the poor state of his health. But whether he anticipated his demise, or just wanted to step away from his ill health, Evans gave a remarkable performance these eight nights, not a reprise but a continuation of his career. Like a finale at a concert’s completion, Evans's play thanked his audience with a captivating adieu, while promising that there was more to be appreciated.
Release Date: 3 September 2002
Bill Evans Trio:
Consecration: The Final Recordings, Part 2 (Milestone)
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last update 8 November 2002