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"Explorations" is another fine example of Evans' classic trio of Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian. This is essential jazz listening. These guys make this music swing so hard. Bill Evans redefined the role of the trio and made history with these outstanding musicians. If you haven't heard it, then pick it up today, you'll be glad you did. Highly recommended.I consider every Bill Evans album essential listening.
Most of his work is know as introspective, but when Evans wanted to play at fast, upbeat tempos, he could very well. Almost every song on Explorations is outstanding. This was the first Evans/LaFaro/Motian trio album that I bought and it was a wise purchase. The Miles Davis tune "Nardis" is beautiful because Evans had a knack for playing chords that had a deep and rich tone. I wanted to buy something from this trio because I know that their influence on modern jazz trios is immeasureable. The great thing about this album is that it actually features an "upbeat" Evans. Lyrical and contemplative throughout, Explorations has a mix of somber and swinging solos.I wish the Bill Evans Trio would have made just a blues standards album. His work with Miles(who loved the blues) and Coltrane charged forward a little harder.
In Explorations Evans is at his most gorgeous, lyric, and thoughtful. Much has been written about the intricate interplay of the trio, and it's all true, especially concerning LaFaro's basswork; but Motion's brushwork is great as well, interacting with the others with intricacy and almost melody-like flourish. As another reviewer said, "Nardis" and "Israel" are my favorites, with wonderful melodic lines and enchanting improv, and to my mind are unmatched in his catalogue. Explorations is likely not only my favorite jazz album, but favorite album in any genre. It's a sad tragedy that LaFaro died soon after this recording, for one can only wonder how great he'd be today.
Sunday at the Village Vanguard is not the first Bill Evans album you should buy because its a bit too expressive or experimental to listen. I plan to collect his other albums in the near future. This is far more easier on the ears and memorable. My drive to work is smooth thanks to this gifted artists' composition. If your a fan of McCoy Tyner's Night Ballads or Oscar Peterson's Timeless then I guarantee this should be a fine addition.I would like to thank all working at Amazon for helping us newbies listen to jazz tracks before making a purchase and exploring similar items in your selection menus. Thank You.
Lost. This review is a tribute, because sometimes that's necessary, one owes it. Play this CD over and over, and it will take you to a place, where I'm not sure, but like a center within, I know this sounds corny, but to feel this is completely different, like some kind of eternal safety, the kind of stuff mystics might speak of, but this music is no mere theorizing, but an actual path you can get on, or enter so to speak, it's the antithesis of the vapidity of so much modern media and TV, he's taking you by the hand to your higher plane, and making sure you get a good seat there, that you can rest there. Feeling depressed. Lonely. This is what it feels like to listen to this music, great art as friendship, the untying of knots, so it's best just to say : WOW. and thanks too.
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