Undercurrent

Recorded after a difficult pause following the tragic death of bassist Scott LaFaro in a car accident, this set marked pianist Bill Evans' first recordings apart from four piano solos cut on April 4, 1962.

It’s the first of two recorded duo sessions with guitarist Jim Hall, and the chemistry is something special. Evans and Hall meet on beautifully sympathetic ground, bringing together introspective playing, harmonic depth, and a real grounding in hard-swinging bebop.

There’s also more range here than you might expect, with cookers, ballads, waltzes, and even a few touches that hint at classical music. A fine set, and an easy one to recommend.

Some reissues include four bonus tracks, featuring two alternate takes and previously unheard versions of Stairway to the Stars and I’m Getting Sentimental Over You.