Bill Evans - The Definitive Rare Albums Collection 1960-1966 (2017)

Hugely acclaimed for his remarkable grasp of melody, harmony and interpretation, Bill Evans has earned his reputation as one of the most influential pianists and composers in jazz history. Classically trained from an early age, Evans initially made a name for himself working with other famous figures of the jazz genre, including George Russell, Cannonball Adderley, Chet Baker and Miles Davis, and his playing was a key feature on the latter s legendary Kind Of Blue (Columbia, 1959). By the early 1960s, Bill Evans began focussing on leading his own groups, primarily trios. Over the rest of his career, he put out a staggering body of work, including the classic albums Sunday At The Village Vanguard and Waltz For Debby (both Riverside, 1961). He received 31 Grammy nominations during his lifetime, taking away nine awards in total, and earned himself a place in the Down Beat Jazz Hall Of Fame. However, despite all his achievements, there are still many criminally overlooked albums on which Evans playing rivals some of his best known work; the aim of this collection is to bring back into focus some of these records, and to provide the listener a chance to review just what fine recordings are often underappreciated. Despite his premature passing on 15th September 1980, after years of substance abuse, Bill Evans is as highly regarded today as ever he was and remains an icon of jazz for millions. This four disc set, containing over five hours of extraordinary music, collates some of the lesser-known works by this master musician, which fans old and new alike can now gain access to.