This unusual album takes on the compositions of the iconic jazz pianist Bill Evans from a uniquely different angle. It also brings together some of Britain’s finest players. Pianist Gordon Beck gained international fame through his work with Phil Woods. Beck “bears comparison to the likes of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock” (All Music). Kenny Wheeler was one of the most important trumpeters of his generation, and Sulzmann, Mathewson, and Oxley have all left their imprints on the music. The lyrical piano intro on Waltz For Debby belies what is to come: ‘fast and furious’ improvisation in 4/4! Orbit begins with a rhapsodic piano and flute duo before going into emotive flute and trumpet solos in a laid-back ¾, and a more aggressive piano solo. The quirky melody on Five leads into Sulzman’s powerful sax and exploratory trumpet and piano solos. Twelve Tone Tune II retains the masterful modernist feel of Evan’s recordings, and on Turn Out The Stars an a cappella soprano sax brings in a stellar Wheeler solo followed by sparkling trumpet and soprano exchanges. There’s a somber overtone to the solos and ensemble play that hover over the tranquil piano ostinato on Peace Piece, while Peri’s Scope ends the album on an infectiously upbeat note with passages based on exchanges between Evans and drummer Marty Morell from Evans’ Montreux II album. Fascinating new perspectives to pieces that have become jazz standards.
