"This album sets the standard for an intimate session by a solo piano. It's hard to find music more vulnerable yet precise in technique and finesse. This album is peaceful yet heartbreaking at the same time."
Songs of despair
JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 03/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This record ( and its pair, volume 2) may be the most underrated record by the immense Bill Evans.Both volumes were recorded on the same day, January 10,1963, and they are exceptionnal. In fact, this is some of the greatest stuff Bill Evans ever recorded. One and a half year after Scott LaFaro's tragic death, Bill Evans is alone in a studio, and simply plays some of the greatest tunes he ever recorded. This is a very desperate album, a very sad one, but the music is completely outstanding. This is simply beauty. Bill's version of "my favorite things" is absolutely incredible, and so are the other tunes. These records have always been among my favorites by Bill Evans. Magnificent, essential to every jazz lover. You can't miss it!!!"
Incredible!
ysa4ever | Clearwater, FL | 12/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! What a sultry sound. Very intense and deep with emotion. Sends my mind into relaxation and warmth through my body."
One of my favorite things...
Jonathan Schneider | Palm Beach Gardens, Florida USA | 04/19/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is worth it just for the introductory notes on the "My Favorite Things/Easy to Love/Baubles, Bangles, and Beads" medley. I worked with my piano teacher for a couple hours trying to figure them out. Although, I now can play the intro note for note, it just doesn't have that Bill Evans feel. There is only one Bill Evans and if you can purchase only one Bill Evans CD, this would be one to consider."
A Window Into Bill's Soul
Eric Flagg | 09/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was not ready for this. As an admitted Bill Evans fanatic, I own about 75% of all of his available recordings and constantly search for new recordings of his. Last week I ordered both volumes 1 and 2 of The Solo Sessions. After listening to Bill thousands of times, my first listen to these solo recordings blew me away. I cried three times while listening. You can feel the pain that Bill is going through during this period when he was strung out on heroin. These recordings are the most intimate, reflective, emotionally-raw ones I have heard Bill make. If I had to choose one recording session to have sat in on during Bill's career, it would have been this one. Next to the original Village Vanguard recordings, these are, in my opinion, the most essential Bill Evans albums ever released."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1
