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Modal piano brilliance! On the album “Quintessence,” released in 1977, the maestro plunges headlong into a lush, melodic horn landscape – an elegant and cool surprise. Here, Bill Evans leaves the comfort zone of his trio and lets his lush harmonic sensibility groove with first-class horn players and rhythm gods. “Quintessence” is meditative but never sleepy, introspective but never complacent. It is rich, warm, and full of the quiet confidence of a master spreading his wings simply because he can. Let's start with the man himself: in 1977, Evans was less a pianist than a philosopher with 88 keys. His technique? Gentle, whispering, always capable of melting diamonds. But here he brings his lyrical poetry into the new context of a quintet. Evans' accompanying musicians are outstanding: starting with Harold Land, whose tone is so gentle that it was the perfect complement to Evans' crystal-clear touch. Next comes Kenny Burrell, who plays so subtly that you could swear he was painting chords with a brush. On bass is Ray Brown—the anchor of jazz itself. He sets the tempo, groove, and soul. And on drums? Philly Joe Jones—the man you call when you need swing. Together they form such a tight unit that it's basically a telepathic jazz circle. They don't just support Bill Evans – they expand him!
As part of the “Analogue Productions Fantasy 45 Series”, “Quintessence” is now being honored with a sonically outstanding reissue, lovingly mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at Acoustech Mastering. The double LP, pressed on 180-gram vinyl by industry leader Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and cut at 45 RPM, comes in an old-style tip-on gatefold jacket from Stoughton Printing with a scuff-resistant, matte finish.
MUSICIANS
Bill Evans: pianoHarold Land: tenor saxophoneKenny Burrell: guitarRay Brown: bassPhilly Joe Jones: drums
LP 1Side A 1. Sweet Dulcinea
Side B 1. Martina 2. Second Time Around
LP 2Side C 1. A Child Is Born
Side D 1. Bass Face