In between stints recording for the Riverside or Fantasy labels,
Bill Evans worked for the Verve label and produced music that was either more challenging or, in this case, mellower. This collection emphasizes the more romantic side of the pianist, in either trio contexts or with a lone additional accompanist, primarily guitarist
Jim Hall. There is a single orchestrated selection,
Evans' own "Time Remembered," and the rest are small-ensemble ballad standards that stand the test of time. Only one of the other remaining numbers, "Turn Out the Stars," is composed by
Evans, and a bit of
Bach is included. This is perfect after-hours seduction or dinner music that fans of
Evans can easily appreciate, while others can just play the CD and let the gentle evening unfold. ~ Michael G. Nastos