Bill Evans & Jim Hall – Undercurrent LP

Description

“In 1962, legendary jazz pianistBill Evanscollaborated for the first time on record with jazz guitaristJim Hallto create the landmark albumUndercurrent. And even though it is a two-person improvisational affair, it is almost unfathomable that these two giants alone fill up all the grooves on this record. The thoughtful interplay between these two musicians created such a beautiful, lush, and emotional journey that their work influenced many. At the time of this recording, Bill Evans was one of the top jazz pianists (his performance withMiles DavisonKind Of Blueis still a high-water mark), but he had stopped performing and recording after the death of his peer, bassistScott LaFaro. Eventually, he was persuaded to return to music, and this was one of the first recordings upon his return. Guitarist Jim Hall — who had worked withElla Fitzgerald,Sonny Rollins, andChico Hamilton— started his partnership with Evans during this time. Recorded over two sessions in April and May 1962, the two have that beautifully unspoken musical language of give and take; their recordings are refreshingly busy but also incredibly sparse. These two giants understand that intertwining their personalities and harmonic styles could create greatness. This notable re-issue is an all-analog production affair — AAA Mastered and cut live by audio guruKevin Gray(Miles Davis,Herbie Hancock,Charles Mingus) — and it’s never sounded better.”