Bill Evans & Jim Hall: Undercurrent (180g) Vinyl LP

Essential listening. Originally recorded in 1962, Undercurrents would be the first of two recorded collaborations between pianist Bill Evans and guitarist Jim Hall. The legendary NYC session finds the two jazz maestros in top form in the rare (for jazz) duo format, offering a beautifully introspective performance in the hard-swing / bebop style. Evans had just come off a long hiatus from recording (following the death of bassist Scott LaFaro), but delivers his signature gentle and melodic touch, as Hall perfectly compliments with advanced harmonies. Includes "My Funny Valentine," "I Hear A Rhapsody," "Dream Gypsy," "Romain," "Skating In Central Park," and "Darn That Dream," housed in a gatefold picture sleeve featuring Toni Frisell's photograph "Weekee Wachee Spring, Florida." The expanded 2017 DOL pressing comes on heavyweight 180 gram vinyl with the additional bonus tracks "Stairway To The Stars," and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," not found on the original LPs. Recommended.

• expanded w/ 2 bonus tracks 'Stairway To The Stars' + 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You'
• 180g black vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
  
• original release year: 1962
• music label: DOL 2017

reviewed by neck cork 03/2018