Search - Bill Evans :: You Must Believe in Spring

Quintessential Bill Evans

Kenneth James Michael MacLean | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 01/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know how to review this CD, because when reviewing a Bill Evans album, my intellect gets in the way of the music. Every time I listen to this CD, it makes me soar, it inspires me, and sometimes, raises the hairs on the back of my neck as I am astounded by the beauty of it. Recorded 3 years before his death, this session is one of the most melodic the great pianist ever recorded. I don't think there is a pianist who ever lived who could create with the music as well as Evans. This recording is creative without being dense. Every note is distinctive, almost as if the pianist is holding each one for the listener's pleasure. This is an album of beautiful melodies, with really great production values. The music is inspirational and passionate. I rank this Evans recording as maybe my very favorite. The pianist on this date is authoritative, passionate, and above all, melodic. I'm making a hash of this review I know, but as I write this I am listening to the beautiful 'B Minor Waltz' and I am overwhelmed by a feeling of joy. That's what Bill Evans can do for you. Just buy this recording, I absolutely guarantee you will be happy with it. If there is such a thing as essential Bill Evans, this CD must be included."

One of his best!!

Job Hunter | San Francisco, CA United States | 01/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a realtively new listener to Bill Evans. I don't know much about the technical aspects of jazz piano, but I know what I like when I hear it. I bought my first Bill Evans CD (Village Vangaurd Recordings) after reading an article about him in the New Yorker about a year ago. I was "hooked" from the first time I heard him. His gentle piano playing and the intropsective quality of his music struck a deep chord in me. Listening to that live recording brought back the times I had been to New York and stumbled into in a small basement nightclub like the Village Vangaurd listening to trio jazz ensembles and conversing with friends. Since then, I have bought a few other Bill Evnas CDs. Each CD I buy has me listening to it over and over again. With "You Must Believe in Spring," I find that I want to play it almost with a kind of obsession, never tiring of it, and hearing something a little bit different to appreciate each time I listen to it.

This is one of my favorite Bill Evans CD (Moon Beams is another.), and I know it will be a constant on the CD player. I particularly like "Gary's Theme" and "Sometime Ago," both beautifully executed. If you like "Moon Beams," you'll love this one."

From tape to CD - still the Best

Bob Akerman | Salina, Kansas United States | 04/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed jazz since the 1930's. Bill Evans "You Must Believe in Spring" is still the best. I am writing my first review at 85 to tell you this music is understated - emotional and shows the value of dedicated talent - quality always endures - buy this CD - you will be playing it the rest of your life. Play this CD in the late night - pour a glass of wine - ponder life - you CAN cope."