This LP has the debut of drummer
Marty Morell with
Bill Evans and bassist
Eddie Gomez, and this particular trio would retain the same personnel for six productive years. Actually, this is a quartet set with guest flutist
Jeremy Steig, whose playing recalls
Herbie Mann's recording (
Nirvana) with
Evans back in the early '60s. Both flutists were always open to the influences of pop and rock, although in both of their collaborations with
Evans, the music is very much on the pianist's turf. With the exception of
Evans' "Time Out for Chris" and the "Spartacus Love Theme," the songs performed on this date would fit securely in the
Miles Davis repertoire of the late '50s.
Steig is in particularly fine form on the program which includes tunes such as "Straight No Chaser," "Autumn Leaves," and "So What." ~ Scott Yanow