Bill Evans Trio: The Oslo Concerts (2007)

Bill Evans was one of the most popular piano players in modern jazz, having recorded over 50 albums and received 31 Grammy nominations before his untimely death in 1980. He influenced virturally every jazz pianist who came after him including Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea. Very little is available on DVD of Evans in performance. The 2 concerts on this DVD have never been on the market before, and this DVD will be a must have with his legion of fans.

Two views -one genuis!

I was totally enthralled with the performances from these two concerts-14 years apart. Two somewhat different approaches spotlighting Evans' '66 trio with Eddie Gomez and Alex Riel and the last trio with Marc Johnson and Joe Labarbera. In the early concert Evans is more introspective, almost withdrawn and the program one which he frequently called upon in live and recorded situations-more controlled. Although the supporting cast is more than adaquate and Eddie Gomez has some amazing chops ,I was somewhat bothered by the noisy fingerboard sounds during his solos which, for me, distracted from what he was playing. By contrast the 80's trio was more emotional, energetic and explorative. Also the interaction between members of the trio was at a high level . In both cases it is Evans who is the sipirit and genesis of what happens. As earlier reviewers mentioned, Nardis is the standout showpiece from both concerts-it is also interesting to compare the two versions which again points to the ever increasing explorations of Evans. I couldn't believe he was dead only one month after that concert. The world will never know another like him. This is highly recommended and belongs in all true jazz fans' collection. November 26, 2008

A MUST HAVE!

This is quite an interesting dvd as one cannot help but notice the tremendous changes in Bill's approach to the music as well as his physical appearance. Compare the two versions of Nardis and you will quickly see what I mean.

For the October 66 concert, Eddie Gomez is wonderful on bass but Alex Riel on drums seems tentative and a bit left out. His brush playing is nice but he does not contribute nearly as much as other drummers have when playing with Bill's trio.

The last half of the disc features Bill's final trio. Marc Johnson is wonderful and of equal measure is drummer, Joe LaBarbara. Evans' playing is flawless. Its truly heard to believe he was to die only one month following the concert. There is a beauty and urgency in Bill's playing with that final concert that is not to be missed. Following the program is a very entertaining interview with Bill that is conducted on stage as Marc and Joe pack up their gear. October 26, 2008

his best dvd... period...

the dvd is divided in 2 parts, one with trio lafaro/bunker, second one with trio johnson/motian wich in my opinion is the highest level bill evans reached in a trio.. communication is intense, harmony and lyricism amazing, simply the basis point of modern jazz piano..
days of wine and roses is incredible August 11, 2008

Bad Editing on 2nd Concert

The Oslo Concert is the better of the two sections because it had better shots and editing. You got very good views of the musicians playing their instrument and you feel as if you were part of the audience. The Molde Concert hardly showed Bill Evan's hands at all and the shots and editing were all around bad. Nonetheless, both performances were amazing. March 29, 2008

good DVD for 1980 set and 1966

uh, quick confession. I spent $40+ for an imported region 2 dvd of the 1980 concert alone, and ... I spent $85+ for a region free player to play it... then i saw I could have bought this $18 all region DVD with the 1980 concert PLUS another concert. All that to say: This is a good value: buy it and don't be as stupid as me!!! October 31, 2007

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