It's a surprise this session is so obscure, since it features
Herbie Mann with
the Bill Evans Trio -- making its first recordings following the sudden death of bassist
Scott LaFaro just a short time after the trio's landmark gig at the Village Vanguard. o
Mann, who has changed his style numerous times throughout his long career, is heard exclusively in a straight-ahead and bop context on this pair of studio dates.
Evans, who studied flute through his college years, rarely recorded with a flutist (
Jeremy Steig joined him on a later record for Verve), though he was fond of the instrument; the capable
Chuck Israels on bass and drummer
Paul Motian round out the trio. The low-key "Willow Weep for Me" and impressionist composer
Erik Satie's Gymnopedie bring out the lyricism of
Mann's playing, though the trio's backing is very understated. Things open up a bit with a sparkling take of
Cole Porter's "I Love You."
Mann's two originals, "Nirvana" and "Cashmere," aren't quite as memorable; substituting one of
Evans' compositions for either of them might have provided some additional spark. Still, fans of either
Herbie Mann or
Bill Evans will want to acquire this enjoyable set. ~ Ken Dryden