Bill Evans Undercurrent CD

Occasionally during UNDERCURRENT one expects the other shoe to drop: the growl of a bass entering in half time, wire brushes falling patiently into place on a sizzle cymbal. It never happens, and that's ultimately the allure of this duet record. The pleasure of these eight cuts (two of them previously unreleased, all of them recorded over two days in the spring of 1962 in New York) lies in the sense of overhearing a private conversation between two particularly thoughtful people.

The tunes are mostly standards, and they conjure a noirish, rainy-night aesthetic. There are a few exceptions, though--the blues come gleaming through on the limber "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" and the more reflective "Romain." The kickoff tune, "My Funny Valentine," is the set's cooker. Evans pecks out the melody, encouraged by Hall's deft counterlines. As Hall's solo gets under way Evans provides a pointillistic background that grows in intensity, urging on the guitarist, who replies with increasing heat before passing things off to Evans and getting into some spirited comping of his own.

Undercurrent has long been considered one of the classic piano/guitar duo sessions, pairing Bill Evans with Jim Hall. These studio dates were a jump start for Evans' career, which he had placed on hold after the unexpected death of his bassist, Scott LaFaro, a few days following their historic Village Vanguard recordings were made. First reissued on CD in 1988, this 2002 edition features the same music, but remixed with gorgeous 24-bit sound and the songs re-sequenced into their original LP configuration, with the alternate takes and initially unissued tracks following them. An added bonus is the removal of the graphics from the striking cover photo, as well as the inclusion of a photo of Evans and Hall taken at one of the two sessions. The seamless way they swap between lead and supporting roles throughout gems such as the waltz-time "Skating in Central Park" adds to the overall appeal of the disc. Though the master take of "My Funny Valentine" has a smoother introduction, the alternate has more intriguing interplay between the two men. The other selections are every bit as masterful. Although Evans and Hall would later do a follow-up duo session for Verve, this memorable CD is the one to acquire first. ~ Ken Dryden

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at Soundmakers, New York, New York on April 24 and May 14, 1962. Originally released on United Artists (1500). Includes liner notes by David Rosenthal.

Audio Remixer: Ron McMaster.

Liner Note Author: David Rosenthal.

Recording information: Sound Makers, New York, NY (04/24/1962/05/14/1962).

Photographers: Frank Gauna; Charles Stewart.

Personnel: Bill Evans (piano); Jim Hall (guitar).