Bill Evans: You Must Believe In Spring

[Darryl G. Thomas]

Bill Evans - piano
Eddie Gomez - bass
Eliot Zigmund - drums

Recorded Aug. 23, 24, 25, 1977

I've been transfixed by this disc for a couple of days now. I have some of Bill's work, all from the '60s and I have to say this may be the best of the lot. It displays the introspection I've come to expect from and Evans' recording but there's something "more" that I can't describe. "B Minor Waltz" is luscious (although too short). And the title track is extraordinary! I love Gomez's work on this recording, it's the best that I can recall on record. And Zigmund's work feels just right.

Three unissued tracks from the original sessions are included. As the liner notes state they are more extroverted than the recordings issued back in '81. Evans' take on "Freddie Freeloader" is interesting, mainly because it was the one cut on Kind of Blue Evans didn't play on. I love his interpretation.

I understand that this recording may be a very popular one from Evans' discography so many of you may not have it. For those who don't, it is highly recommended.

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by Darryl G. Thomas

I understand that this recording may be a very popular one from Evans' discography so many of you may not have it. For those who don't, it is highly recommended.

Darryl, your "nots" don't balance!

It's one of my favorites, and I think the best of Evans with Gomez. I haven't heard the bonus tracks, but the original is indeed one of the quietest from a quiet pianist--very different from the suprising tumult of the "Turn Out The Stars" box.

[Sand]

Today I almost picked up the remastered version this CD that I've been listing to since 1981.
I have a notation of the solo Bill plays on the title piece and I'll scan it, if I can find it. It's amazing to look at it, while Bill plays.

[frankiepop]

i love this recording...

[Darryl G. Thomas]

Pete,

Sometimes I lose my hand-mind coordination.

[Paul B]

I've been transfixed by this disc for a couple of days now.

I've been transfixed by it for about twenty years. It's an absolute masterpiece. This is the type of record for which buying a new edition with more tracks would be well worth it. Thanks to Darryl for the nod.

Bye-ya.

[clinthopson]

Daryl,

Thanks for the heads up.

I've always loved this disc. I was unaware of a new edition.

It's on the buy list.

[Sand]

Originally Posted by Paul B

I've been transfixed by it for about twenty years. It's an absolute masterpiece. This is the type of record for which buying a new edition with more tracks would be well worth it. Thanks to Darryl for the nod.

Bye-ya.

Yeah, I almost ordered remastered versions of this one and "Explorations" yesterday. It would have been my first Evans in a decade (or maybe not).
In addititon I discovered that there is a new DVD out with Evans and his brother discussing music.
So far I haven't bought any remastered versions of stuff I have. I am willing to make an exception in this case.

[Nate Dorward]

Oh yes, that show with his brother--"The Universal Mind of Bill Evans" I think is the title. Worth seeing.

[stonemonkts]

Thank you, Darryl, for starting this thread, and to everyone else who added their opinions. I've just heard this for the first time, and am also loving it. I haven't heard much of his later stuff so this is sort of revelatory for me.

[frankiepop]

feel the loooove

[stonemonkts]

you want to feel something?

[John L]

Interesting. I have never been a big Bill Evans fan. I just have a difficult time connecting with him personally. But I do like You Must Believe in Spring very much. It is one of my favorites of the Bill Evans albums that I have heard.

[tristano's ghost]

I just got this one myself, so great timing for me, seeing this thread. A lot of Evans' mid-70s work seems to get a bad rap, compared to the trio that he had the last two years of his life, but I agree w/the positive assessments listed above. Any other Evans recs from that 1972-78 period?

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by tristano's ghost

Any other Evans recs from that 1972-78 period?

I'm very fond of 2 discs recorded at the Vanguard in 1974, with Gomez & Morrell: Since We Met & Re: Person I Knew.

[vibes]

Originally Posted by Pete C

I'm very fond of 2 discs recorded at the Vanguard in 1974, with Gomez & Morrell: Since We Met & Re: Person I Knew.

Those are great discs. I've been listening to them quite a bit lately. The wife enjoys them quite a bit too, which certainly helps.

Bill Evans' Fantasy work doesn't get talked about very often, but there is certainly a lot of great material there.

[clinthopson]

I just got the disc and was thrilled by the extra cuts. The sound is superb.

Of course, I may be prejudiced since Bill Evans is my all-time favorite piano player.

Yester day the remaster of Bu's "Free For All" came.

I'm so excited.