Sunday, October 27, 2024

Bill Evans - The Complete Bill Evans On Verve [1997] (18 x CDs)

JAZZ SUNDAY

BILL EVANS

Bill Evans - The Complete Bill Evans On Verve [1997] (18 x CDs)

Bill Evans - The Complete Bill Evans On Verve [1997] is an absolute gem that captures the magic of one of jazz’s most iconic pianists. This 18-CD box set, released by Verve Records in 1997 (a division of PolyGram Classics and Jazz a division of PolyGram Records.), is a goldmine for both die-hard fans and those just discovering Evans’ brilliance. Spanning recordings from 1957 to 1970, it beautifully showcases Evans’ artistic journey and his collaborations with other jazz legends.

What makes this collection truly special is its thoroughness. It features not only Evans’ famous albums but also rare and previously unreleased tracks. This makes it a must-have for anyone looking to dive deep into his music. The recordings have been meticulously remastered, ensuring top-notch sound quality that lets you fully appreciate the subtleties of Evans’ playing.

The box set is arranged chronologically, taking you on a captivating journey through Evans’ career. From his early days with the Gary McFarland Orchestra to his later trio recordings, each disc offers a unique snapshot of his musical evolution. The inclusion of alternate takes and breakdowns adds an extra layer of insight, giving you a peek into Evans’ creative process and how his interpretations developed over time.

Evans’ collaborations with other jazz greats, like Stan Getz and Shelly Manne, are standout moments in this collection. These recordings capture the incredible chemistry between Evans and his collaborators, resulting in performances that are both technically stunning and deeply moving. Tracks like “My Heart Stood Still” and “Grandfather’s Waltz” highlight the seamless interplay between Evans and Getz, while the sessions with Manne showcase Evans’ versatility in different musical settings.

The packaging of the box set is another highlight. The packaging of this box is untreated steel and has been designed to be a unique collector's item that will change in color, texture, appearance over time, and will eventually rust naturally. It includes a beautifully designed booklet with detailed liner notes, photographs, and essays that provide context and background information about the recordings. This enriches the listening experience, giving fans a deeper understanding of Evans’ work and the historical significance of these recordings.

In conclusion, The Complete Bill Evans On Verve [1997] is an essential addition to any jazz lover’s collection. Its comprehensive nature, high-quality remastering, and insightful packaging make it a fitting tribute to Bill Evans’ legacy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the genius of one of jazz’s most beloved pianists. (B)

This box set is indeed a rare find these days. It appears to be out of print, making it a sought-after collector’s item. However, you can still find it available through various online marketplaces and music retailers. The price for this box set can vary significantly depending on the condition and the seller. If you’re a fan of Bill Evans or jazz in general, this collection is definitely worth the investment. Happy hunting! 

BACK of Box states The Complete Bill Evans on Verve showcases the genius of William John Evans, the greatest jazz piano virtuoso of his generation Here are all the sessions Evans did for Verve in their entirety (plus two bonus sessions) with all known alternative takes Evans sessions as leader coleader and even sideman. This box set, the latest in the Verve tradition of comprehensiveness, includes:

  • More than 21 hours of music
  • 22-bit remastering best audio ever
  • 269 tracks in all (252 are complete takes)
  • 98 previously unissued complete takes: 37 studio plus 61 live
  • All 19 Bill Evans Verve LPs plus two bonus LP sessions, (five LPs are on CD for the first time)
  • The great trio dates, including previously unreleased, beautifully recorded classic Village  Vanguard tracks with Philly Joe Jones 

  • His unique solo recordings; a classic trio-date with orchestra, and a rare date with rhythm quartet and strings

The musicians featured as coleaders include

Stan Getz, Jim Hall, Gary McFarland, and Monica Zetterlund.

   The sidemen-include

Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Eddie Gomez Chuck Israels Elvin Jones,Philly Joe Jones, Paul Motian, Gary Peacock Jeremy Steig and Grady Tate

The 160-page, full-color booklet includes an appreciation by Chick Corea, a biography, a session by-session analysis, two panel discussions (one with Evans collaborators, the other with pianists) and an interview with producer Creed Taylor plus many rare photographs.

Booklet and Artwork can be found here:

https://musicbrainz.org/release/703e5f00-6f63-4cd8-8d5d-ee96e361ead9/cover-art

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Track lists

CD01

Bill Evans/Shelly Manne with Monty Budwig - Empathy

01 Bill Evans - The Washington Twist 6:31

02 Bill Evans - Danny Boy 3:44

03 Bill Evans - Let's Go Back To The Waltz 4:32

04 Bill Evans - With A Song In My Heart 9:13

05 Bill Evans - Goodbye 5:12

06 Bill Evans - I Believe In You 5:53


The Gary McFarland Orchestra With Special Guest Soloist Bill Evans

07 Bill Evans - Reflections In The Park 3:46

08 Bill Evans - Night Images 5:56

09 Bill Evans - Tree Patterns 4:59

10 Bill Evans - Peach Tree 5:07

11 Bill Evans - Misplaced Cow Poke 10:17

12 Bill Evans - A Moment Alone 6:10


CD02

Conversations With Myself

01 Bill Evans - 'round Midnight 6:35

02 Bill Evans - How About You 2:50

03 Bill Evans - Spartacus Love Theme 5:10

04 Bill Evans - Blue Monk 4:34

05 Bill Evans - Stella By Starlight 4:52

06 Bill Evans - Hey, There 4:31

07 Bill Evans - N.Y.C.'s No Lark 5:36

08 Bill Evans - Just You, Just Me 2:37

09 Bill Evans - Bemsha Swing 2:56

10 Bill Evans - A Sleepin' Bee 4:12


Trio 64

11 Bill Evans - For Heaven's Sake 4:26

12 Bill Evans - A Sleepin' Bee 5:32

13 Bill Evans - Always 0:38

14 Bill Evans - Always 3:55

15 Bill Evans - Always 4:05

16 Bill Evans - Everything Happens To Me 4:40

17 Bill Evans - Dancing In The Dark 4:37

18 Bill Evans - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 4:25


CD03

Trio 64

01 Bill Evans - I'll See You Again 0:53

02 Bill Evans - I'll See You Again 4:29

03 Bill Evans - I'll See You Again 4:00

04 Bill Evans - Little Lulu 4:38

05 Bill Evans - Little Lulu 5:04

06 Bill Evans - Little Lulu 3:55

07 Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still 1:07

08 Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still 4:43


Stan Getz And Bill Evans - Previously Unreleased Recordings

09 Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still 0:51

10 Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still 7:06

11 Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still 3:26

12 Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still 8:57

13 Bill Evans - Grandfather's Waltz 0:29

14 Bill Evans - Grandfather's Waltz 6:32

15 Bill Evans - Grandfather's Waltz 0:31

16 Bill Evans - Grandfather's Waltz 5:52

17 Bill Evans - Melinda 5:06

18 Bill Evans - Dark Eyes 1:19


CD04

Stan Getz And Bill Evans - Previously Unreleased Recordings

01 Bill Evans - Funkallero 1:13

02 Bill Evans - Funkallero 6:40

03 Bill Evans - But Beautiful (Master Take) 4:40

04 Bill Evans - Theme From The Carpetbaggers 1:37

05 Bill Evans - Theme From The Carpetbaggers 1:57

06 Bill Evans - Theme From The Carpetbaggers 1:46

07 Bill Evans - Theme From The Carpetbaggers (Breakdown) 0:39

08 Bill Evans - Theme From The Carpetbaggers 1:50

09 Bill Evans - Theme From The Carpetbaggers 2:18

10 Bill Evans - Night And Day 2:07

11 Bill Evans - Night And Day 6:37

12 Bill Evans - Night And Day 6:44

13 Bill Evans - Wnew 2:51


Bill Evans Trio Live

14 Bill Evans - How Deep Is The Ocean? 5:59

15 Bill Evans - Love Is Here To Stay 5:06

16 Bill Evans - Baubles, Bangles And Beads 5:31

17 Bill Evans - Vamp (Peace Piece) And Spoken Introduction 1:31

18 Bill Evans - Nardis 5:38

19 Bill Evans - Time Remembered 5:51

20 Bill Evans - Someday My Prince Will Come 6:31


CD05

Bill Evans Trio Live

01 Bill Evans - What Is This Thing Called Love? 4:50

02 Bill Evans - Stella By Starlight 6:19

03 Bill Evans - 'round Midnight 6:07

04 Bill Evans - Make Someone Happy 7:14

05 Bill Evans - Spoken Introduction And Warmup 1:24

06 Bill Evans - The Boy Next Door 5:50

07 Bill Evans - Little Lulu 4:06

08 Bill Evans - My Love Is An April Song 5:29

09 Bill Evans - What Kind Of Fool Am I 8:31

10 Bill Evans - What Is This Thing Called Love 4:54

11 Bill Evans - The Touch Of Your Lips 6:22

12 Bill Evans - Spoken Introduction And Warmup 0:58

13 Bill Evans - The Boy Next Door 4:43

14 Bill Evans - Time Remembered 5:36

15 Bill Evans - Stella By Starlight 6:22


CD06

Bill Evans Trio Live (Previously Unissued)

01 Bill Evans - 'deed I Do 6:31

02 Bill Evans - Baubles, Bangles And Beads 3:35

03 Bill Evans - What Kind Of Fool Am I 5:33

04 Bill Evans - Spoken Introduction And Warmup 1:08

05 Bill Evans - Come Rain Or Come Shine 5:34

06 Bill Evans - How My Heart Sings 5:13

07 Bill Evans - Alone Together 5:55

08 Bill Evans - Israel 4:51

09 Bill Evans - Spoken Introduction And Warmup 0:47

10 Bill Evans - Alone Together 6:13

11 Bill Evans - Make Someone Happy 6:54

12 Bill Evans - My Love Is An April Song 5:15

13 Bill Evans - 'deed I Do 6:18

14 Bill Evans - Love Is Here To Stay 4:33

15 Bill Evans - California Here I Come 4:00

16 Bill Evans - Warmup/These Things Called Changes 1:10

17 Bill Evans - What Kind Of Fool Am I 6:15


CD07

Bill Evans Trio Live (Previously Unissued)

01 Bill Evans - What Is This Thing Called Love? 4:47

02 Bill Evans - Alone Together 5:37

03 Bill Evans - California, Here I Come 4:26


Monica Zetterlund And Bill Evans - Waltz For Debby

04 Bill Evans - Come Rain Or Come Shine 4:38

05 Bill Evans - Jag Vet En Deglig Rosa 2:50

06 Bill Evans - Once Upon A Summertime 3:01

07 Bill Evans - So Long, Big Time 3:48

08 Bill Evans - Monicas Vals (Waltz For Debby) 2:46

09 Bill Evans - Lucky To Be Me 3:37

10 Bill Evans - Vindarna Sucka 3:02

11 Bill Evans - It Could Happen To You 2:58

12 Bill Evans - Some Other Time 5:34

13 Bill Evans - Om Natten 1:40

14 Bill Evans - Come Rain Or Come Shine 5:24

15 Bill Evans - Come Rain Or Come Shine 5:12

16 Bill Evans - Lucky To Be Me 3:05

17 Bill Evans - It Could Happen To You 3:24

18 Bill Evans - It Could Happen To You 3:18

19 Bill Evans - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 2:25


CD08

Trio 65

01 Bill Evans - Israel 4:46

02 Bill Evans - Elsa 4:20

03 Bill Evans - 'round Midnight 6:39

04 Bill Evans - Love Is Here To Stay 3:59

05 Bill Evans - How My Heart Sings 2:46

06 Bill Evans - Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)? 4:51

07 Bill Evans - Come Rain Or Come Shine 5:26

08 Bill Evans - If You Could See Me Now 4:46


Bill Evans Trio With Symphony Orchestra

09 Bill Evans - Granados 5:53

10 Bill Evans - Valse 5:52

11 Bill Evans - Prelude 3:00

12 Bill Evans - Time Remembered 4:15

13 Bill Evans - Pavane 3:59

14 Bill Evans - Elegia 5:13

15 Bill Evans - My Bells 3:45

16 Bill Evans - Blue Interlude 6:04


CD09

Bill Evans At Town Hall Volume One

01 Bill Evans - I Should Care 5:36

02 Bill Evans - Spring Is Here 4:59

03 Bill Evans - Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) 6:17

04 Bill Evans - Make Someone Happy 4:47


Solo - In Memory Of His Father

05 Bill Evans - Solo (In Memory Of His Father) - Prologue/Story Line/Turn Out The Stars/Epilogue 13:39

06 Bill Evans - Beautiful Love 6:51

07 Bill Evans - My Foolish Heart (1966/Town Hall/Live) 4:47

08 Bill Evans - One For Helen 5:52


CD10

Bill Evans And Jim Hall - Intermodulation

01 Bill Evans - I've Got You Under My Skin 3:23

02 Bill Evans - My Man's Gone Now 6:45

03 Bill Evans - Turn Out The Stars 7:36

04 Bill Evans - Angel Face 6:35

05 Bill Evans - Jazz Samba 3:09

06 Bill Evans - All Across The City 4:52


A Simple Matter Of Conviction

07 Bill Evans - A Simple Matter Of Conviction 3:18

08 Bill Evans - Stella By Starlight 4:10

09 Bill Evans - Orbit (Unless It's You) 3:43

10 Bill Evans - Laura 4:19

11 Bill Evans - My Melancholy Baby 5:15

12 Bill Evans - I'm Getting Sentimental Over You 4:12

13 Bill Evans - Star Eyes 4:57

14 Bill Evans - Only Child 4:04

15 Bill Evans - These Things Called Changes 3:33


CD11

Further Conversations With Myself

01 Bill Evans - Emily 4:54

02 Bill Evans - Yesterdays 3:50

03 Bill Evans - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 3:47

04 Bill Evans - Funny Man 3:44

05 Bill Evans - Shadow Of Your Smile 8:03

06 Bill Evans - Little Lulu 2:50

07 Bill Evans - Quiet Now 7:54


California, Here I Come (Previously Unissued)

08 Bill Evans - Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe 4:26

09 Bill Evans - In A Sentimental Mood 4:04

10 Bill Evans - Re: Person I Knew 5:00

11 Bill Evans - California, Here I Come 5:35

12 Bill Evans - Alfie 5:04

13 Bill Evans - Gone With The Wind 6:05

14 Bill Evans - Turn Out The Stars 5:51

15 Bill Evans - Polka Dots And Moonbeams 3:24

16 Bill Evans - Stella By Starlight 4:04


CD12

California, Here I Come

01 Bill Evans - Very Early 5:15

02 Bill Evans - You're Gonna Hear From Me 4:42

03 Bill Evans - Emily 5:25

04 Bill Evans - Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) 6:51

05 Bill Evans - 'round Midnight 6:07

06 Bill Evans - On Green Dolphin Street 4:53

07 Bill Evans - If You Could See Me Now 3:37

08 Bill Evans - I'm Getting Sentimental Over You 4:27

09 Bill Evans - You're Gonna Hear From Me 4:56

10 Bill Evans - G Waltz 4:36

11 Bill Evans - California Here I Come 5:07

12 Bill Evans - Emily 4:42

13 Bill Evans - Alfie 4:42

14 Bill Evans - Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 7:16


CD13

California, Here I Come (Previously Unissued)

01 Bill Evans - In A Sentimental Mood 4:08

02 Bill Evans - California Here I Come 4:38

03 Bill Evans - You're Gonna Hear From Me 6:12

04 Bill Evans - Alfie 5:23

05 Bill Evans - Gone With The Wind 6:01

06 Bill Evans - Emily 5:55

07 Bill Evans - G Waltz 5:03

08 Bill Evans - Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 6:09

09 Bill Evans - In A Sentimental Mood 3:55

10 Bill Evans - California Here I Come 4:35

11 Bill Evans - You're Gonna Hear From Me 5:00

12 Bill Evans - Alfie 5:11

13 Bill Evans - Gone With The Wind 5:54

14 Bill Evans - Emily 5:21

15 Bill Evans - G Waltz 3:16


CD14

California, Here I Come

01 Bill Evans - Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 5:45

02 Bill Evans - On Green Dolphin Street 3:49

03 Bill Evans - G Waltz 4:01

04 Bill Evans - You're Gonna Hear From Me 5:10

05 Bill Evans - Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 6:59

06 Bill Evans - Gone With The Wind 5:50

07 Bill Evans - Emily 5:09

08 Bill Evans - G Waltz 4:33


At Montreux Jazz Festival

09 Bill Evans - Spoken Introduction And Warmup 0:57

10 Bill Evans - One For Helen 4:24

11 Bill Evans - A Sleeping Bee 6:05

12 Bill Evans - Mother Of Earl 5:15

13 Bill Evans - Nardis 8:22

14 Bill Evans - Quiet Now 6:11


CD15

At Montreux Jazz Festival

01 Bill Evans - I Loves You, Porgy (Live) (Stereo) 5:59

02 Bill Evans - The Touch Of Your Lips (Live) (Stereo) 4:44

03 Bill Evans - Embraceable You (Live) (Stereo) 6:44

04 Bill Evans - Someday My Prince Will Come (Live) (Stereo) 6:08

05 Bill Evans - Walkin' Up (Live) (Stereo) 3:35


Alone

06 Bill Evans - Here's That Rainy Day (Stereo) 5:20

07 Bill Evans - A Time For Love (Stereo) 5:04

08 Bill Evans - Midnight Mood (Stereo) 5:19

09 Bill Evans - On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) (Stereo) 4:47

10 Bill Evans - Never Let Me Go (Stereo) 14:38

11 Bill Evans - A Time For Love (Alt) (Stereo) 8:08

12 Bill Evans - All The Things You Are - Midnight Mood (Stereo) 4:07


CD16

Bill Evans With Jeremy Steig

01 Bill Evans - Straight, No Chaser 5:43

02 Bill Evans - Lover Man 6:22

03 Bill Evans - Whats New? 4:52

04 Bill Evans - Autumn Leaves 6:16

05 Bill Evans - Time Out For Chris 7:21

06 Bill Evans - Spartacus Love Theme 5:00

07 Bill Evans - So What 9:17


Previously Unissued

08 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:07

09 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:10

10 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:21

11 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:23

12 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:21

13 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:14

14 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Complete Take) 4:14


From Left To Right

15 Bill Evans - Why Did I Choose You? (Master Take) 5:04


CD17

From Left To Right

01 Bill Evans - I'm All Smiles (Master Take) 5:44

02 Bill Evans - Like Someone In Love (Master Take) 5:40

03 Bill Evans - Children's Play Song (Master Take) 4:19

04 Bill Evans - Soiree (Take 1 -Complete) 3:39

05 Bill Evans - Soiree (Take 2 -Master) 3:36

06 Bill Evans - Soiree (Take 3 -Complete) 3:24

07 Bill Evans - Lullaby For Helene (Take 4 -Complete) 2:44

08 Bill Evans - Lullaby For Helene (Take 7 -Complete) 2:43

09 Bill Evans - Lullaby For Helene (Take 8 -Complete) 2:38

10 Bill Evans - Lullaby For Helene (Master Take) 2:52

11 Bill Evans - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Take 3 -Complete) 4:36

12 Bill Evans - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Take 5 -Incomplete) 2:41

13 Bill Evans - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Take 7 -Complete) 5:00

14 Bill Evans - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Master Take) 4:14

15 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 1 -Complete) 4:11

16 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 3 -Complete) 4:02

17 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 6 -Complete) 4:06

18 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 8 -Breakdown) 2:05

19 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 7 -Complete) 4:07

20 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 14 -Breakdown) 3:08

21 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before (Take 15 -Complete) 3:53


CD18

From Left To Right

01 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - Before 3:07

02 Bill Evans - The Dolphin - After 3:16


Previsiously Unissued

03 Bill Evans - Comrade Conrad 4:36

04 Bill Evans - Comrade Conrad 4:00

05 Bill Evans - Comrade Conrad 3:46

06 Bill Evans - It Must Be Love 3:57

07 Bill Evans - It Must Be Love 2:31

08 Bill Evans - It Must Be Love 3:42


Eddie Costa With Rolf Kuhn And Dick Johnson

09 Bill Evans - Spoken Introduction And Warmup 0:47

10 Bill Evans - Dancing In The Dark 5:34

11 Bill Evans - I Love You 4:32

12 Bill Evans - 'S Wonderful 5:14

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12 comments:

  1. Wow! What a collection. I have been wanting to dig into Bill Evans for years, and now it will still take me years!
    Thanks & Cheers,
    Mike M

    ReplyDelete
  2. The largesse! Many, many thanks, BB!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi pmac.
      This is a very special set. Enjoy.
      Cheers.

      Delete
  3. OPUS MAGNUM! Immense & essential - many thanks, BB! Best, TC

    ReplyDelete
  4. Replies
    1. Hi Herve,
      Always happy to post sets that are essential.
      Cheers.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Hi Ken.
      You're very welcome.
      This set is a wonderful exploration of a man's talent.
      Cheers.

      Delete
  6. "sets that are essential"
    Exactly, BB - Thank you so much!
    Cheers,
    Giulio
    PS Another masterpiece of Bill Evans that I would recommend: The Paris Concert.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... recommend for people to listen (not a post request!)

      Delete
    2. A great choice, Giulio.
      All should seek it out.
      Cheers.

      Delete