Genre: Jazz
Year: 1990
Alone is a re-issue of Bill Evan’s first solo piano album. The musical compilation contains seven bonus tracks, of which six are alternative takes from the Alone sessions. These sessions were discovered and never issued before. It sounds like we have Bill Evans at his best.
In the ’50s Bill Evans was starting to be recognized as a pianist with hugh potential. In 1958 he joined Miles Davis, and although Mr. Evans was only with Miles Davis during a relatively short period of time, it proved to be a crucial factor in his musical development. During his next jazz trio venture, together with bassist Scott La Faro and drummer Paul Motian, it became inevitable he would also start recording solo piano work. The ‘Alone’ sessions were the clear result of this.
‘Alone’ is no ‘easy listening’. Throughout the album attention and focus is claimed from the listener. The 14-minute-version of ‘Never Let Me Go’ goes deep and Mr. Evan’s is right in stating that such long explorations reinvent the meaning of the phrase “solo piano.” Bill Evans also takes his time with a variety of choruses that offer fresh perspectives, colors and emotion, without the distraction of an audience. Also, ‘Here’s That Rainy Day’ explores the harmonic possibilities deeply with the hands of a true Master.
‘Alone ‘ is one of those recordings with an immense ‘replay value’. Each time new musical secrets are revealed. Highly recommended.
I agree with Stan. I doubt that there’s a greater jazz album – and pianist – than Bill Evans, specially when he plays solo. His “Alone” is a must-have for jazz piano lovers. Also as a pianist, Evans is among the greats. Why then is it that he is the pianist on Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” touted as one of the “greatest albums of all time?”
While “Never Let Me Go” in “Alone” is noteworthy, my personal favorite is “A Time for Love.” I bought the vinyl album when it was first released in the mid-1970s and now, the CD with a bonus “A Time for Love” track. It might also be good to listen to his “The Solo Sessions” on Milestone. Recorded in 1963, I think that this is a worthy precursor to “Alone.”
Who can ignore Bill Evans? From solo playing to trios, he produces sensitivity, depth, and chords that even a non-musician can discern, and more importantly, enjoy . Listen to his “Emily,” “Young and Foolish (with or without Tony Bennett),the whimsical “A House is Not a Home,” or the funky “Autumn Leaves (with Scott LaFaro).” You’ll know what I mean.
From a personal standpoint, I agree that Bill Evans’ “Alone” is the greatest jazz piano album ever. The proof? I have been listening to it for over 40 years now, and I still often play it. I do think it needs an asterisk though, for some of the tracks are not as compelling as others. But as noted, “Never Let Me Go” may be the most beautiful solo piano track ever. With every chorus, he goes deeper, to the point where you want to scream “stop! or you’ll ruin it!” But he doesn’t. It’s amazing. It’s fragile. It’s beauty.