Bill Evans Trio / Lee Konitz / Warne Marsh Crosscurrents CD

Full performer name: Bill Evans Trio/Lee Konitz/Warne Marsh.
Bill Evans Trio: Bill Evans (piano); Eddie Gomez (bass); Eliot Zigmund (drums).
Additional personnel: Lee Konitz (alto saxophone); Warne Marsh (tenor saxophone).
Recorded at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California on February 28 and March 1 & 2, 1977. Includes liner notes by Helen Keane.
Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1992, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).
Personnel: Bill Evans (piano); Lee Konitz (alto saxophone); Warne Marsh (tenor saxophone); Eliot Zigmund (drums).
Recording information: Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA (02/28/1977-03/02/1977).
Unknown Contributor Roles: Eddie Gomez ; Eliot Zigmund; Bill Evans .
This superior set was a logical idea. One of pianist Bill Evans' earlier influences was Lennie Tristano so on the date Evans' trio (with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund) was teamed with Tristano's two top "students": altoist Lee Konitz and tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh. The quintet performs four standards (all of which fit easily into Evans' repertoire) plus "Pensativa" and Steve Swallow's "Eiderdown." Konitz and Marsh always worked very well together and their cool-toned improvising makes this outing by Bill Evans something special. The CD reissue adds three alternate takes to the original program. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow
Evans first performed with saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marshe in 1959, fresh from his legendary work with Miles Davis. Though it took nearly two decades before the three collaborated again, this 1977 effort resounds with spontaneity and freshness as well as a warmth and familiarity that makes for some rewarding interaction. The cool West coast sound of Konitz blends well with Evans' sensitive, sophisticated harmonies. When longtime Evans bassist Eddie Gomez makes his presence felt, as on his solo for "Eiderdown," he proves himself to be the essential active ingredient that prods Evans along to a more visceral interplay with the two saxophonists. Three previously unreleased alternate takes, chosen by original album producer Helen Keane, spice up the package.