It's a surprise this session is so obscure, since it features
Herbie Mann
with
the Bill Evans Trio
-- making its first recordings following the sudden death of bassist
Scott LaFaro
just a short time after the trio's landmark gig at
the Village Vanguard
.
Mann
, who has changed his style numerous times throughout his long career, is heard exclusively in a straight-ahead and
bop
context on this pair of studio dates.
Evans
, who studied flute through his college years, rarely recorded with a flutist (
Jeremy Steig
joined him on a later record for
Verve
), though he was fond of the instrument; the capable
Chuck Israels
on bass and drummer
Paul Motian
round out the trio. The low-key
"Willow Weep for Me"
and
impressionist
composer
Erik Satie
's
Gymnopedie
bring out the lyricism of
's playing, though the trio's backing is very understated. Things open up a bit with a sparkling take of
Cole Porter
"I Love You."
's two originals,
"Nirvana"
"Cashmere,"
aren't quite as memorable; substituting one of
' compositions for either of them might have provided some additional spark. Still, fans of either
or
Bill Evans
will want to acquire this enjoyable set. ~ Ken Dryden