Never have I heard such beautiful music from such a troubled man. Moonbeams was the first album that introduced me to jazz pianist, Bill Evans. My first several listens to this album introduced me to a musician who seemed so relaxed, so beautiful, so mellow. I thought that Bill Evans must have been one of the most laid back and cool jazz musicians of his day.
Bill Evans
Evans was a very influential jazz pianist gaining fame with his work with jazz legend Miles Davis in the 1950's and continuing to fame of his own in the 60s and 70s. He died in September of 1980 due to complications of a life of drug abuse. Although he kicked a heroin habit in the 60's he got hooked on cocaine in the 70's which led to his untimely death.
Bill Evans Trio
Thanks to wikipedia I learned that the Trio of the Bill Evans Trio was formed because Evans had just lost his bass player Scott LaFlaro to a car accident. The loss devestated Evans, and he didn't record for quite a while after that. Evans reformed his jazz trio in 62 and Moonbeams was the first recording with the new trio, himself on piano, Chuck Israels on bass, and the same drummer Paul Motian on drums. Thus I learned that this album which I listen to to relax and unwind was actually made when Bill Evans was trying to recover from the loss of his friend and bass player.
MoonBeams
Moonbeams was the first album by the Bill Evans Trio with the new bass player Chuck Israels and it was recorded and released in 1962. The album is also noteworthy for its cover art depicting a very beautiful young woman's face on the cover. The model was Nico a popular fashion model of the time.
The albums first track, The Person I Knew, I assume was Bill Evan's tribute to his departed friend. This knowledge gave new depth and meaning to the song for me. The song starts with very mellow langorous piano playing, that is soon joined by the stand up bass playing of Israels, and the relaxed drum beat layed down by Motian. I don't have early Evans recordings with LaFloro, but I have to say I love the sound of the standing bass by Israels.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams, I Fall in Love too Easily, Stairway to the Stars, If You Could See Me Now, It Might as Well Be Spring, In Love in Vain and Very Early are the other 8 songs on Moonbeams. If I had to categorize this jazz album, it is romantic instrumental jazz. There are no vocals, just Evans relaxed piano playing against the steady rhythms of Israels bass and light drumming of Paul Motian. Except for The Person I Knew and Very Early, the songs are all covers of classic tunes from that time period. I especially enjoyed his cover of It Might as Well Be Spring. I also enjoy Bossa Nova, so I have heard a few versions of this Brazilian flavored song sung by Astrud Gilberto or just played by Antonio Carlos Jobim. The melody that was usually sung by Gilberto was played on the piano.
All the songs are very mellow and relaxed. I enjoyed the music, but I can't say that I liked as well as albums by other jazz piano players like Monk, Tyner or newer musicians such as Keiko Matsui.
Sound Quality
I have to note that this album definitely has hiss on it, which I was disappointed by. I usually love to turn my jazz music up so that I can close my eyes and imagine the musicians playing in my living room. This illusion is destroyed by the obvious hiss in the CD. I don't know if the hiss was on the master tapes or on the transfer, but it is quite audible at louder volumes.
Summary
Overall, Moonbeams is very relaxing jazz piano that would be suitable for cocktail parties, light background music or relaxing. I like to listen to Bill Evans when I am unwinding or reading. I would have given the music four stars, but the poor recording quality brings it down a star. Nevertheless, a nice album. 3 stars.
Recommended:
