A previously unreleased concert recording by the legendary
Bill Evans would be great news anyway, but this one is particularly special because it documents a 1979 performance at Southeastern Louisiana University,
Evans' alma mater and a place for which he had especially warm feelings. Accompanied by the young bassist
Marc Johnson and drummer
Joe La Barbera,
Evans plays a generous set of familiar tunes, including such standbys as "Re: Person I Knew," "Turn Out the Stars," and "I Loves You, Porgy." The album's last track is a six-minute interview conducted by Rod Starns. Although the sound quality is iffy -- the stereo balance is tilted markedly to the listener's left and the drums are poorly miked -- the program is excellent and
Evans is playing near peak form.
Johnson's playing betrays a strong
Scott LaFaro influence, especially on his two duets with
Evans and on the trio's shimmering performance of "Someday My Prince Will Come." This disc is a valuable historical document, but it's also a genuine pleasure to listen to. ~ Rick Anderson