Empathy/A Simple Matter of Conviction

Empathy/A Simple Matter of Conviction

ASIN: B00000478L

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
The jazz wisdom regarding Bill Evans's relationship to drummers is that only Philly Joe Jones could light a bona fide rhythmic fire beneath the often mellow, circuitous pianist. But here California-cool-identified rhythm ace Shelly Manne shows both intimate knowledge of Evans's modus operandi and a keen manner for destabilizing the picture enough to drive uncommonly hard-swinging trio interplay. This two-fer collects both dates Manne played with Evans--and bassists Monty Budwig (on Empathy in 1962) and longtime trio member Eddie Gomez (on A Simple Matter of Conviction in 1966)--and the pairing makes great sense. Not only did Manne push the trio to new places, but Evans yanked Manne into a kind of ultrasensitive spot, too, engaging the drums and ride cymbals so that they sound harmonic and melodic. The net result is hair-raising in its exactness and a pleasure to hear. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

The Washington Twist
Danny Boy
Let's Go Back To The Waltz
With A Song In My Heart
Goodbye
I Believe In You
A Simple Matter Of Conviction
Stella By Starlight
Orbit (Unless It's You)
Laura
My Melancholy Baby
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
Star Eyes
Only Child
These Things Called Changes

Amazon.com essential recording

The jazz wisdom regarding Bill Evans's relationship to drummers is that only Philly Joe Jones could light a bona fide rhythmic fire beneath the often mellow, circuitous pianist. But here California-cool-identified rhythm ace Shelly Manne shows both intimate knowledge of Evans's modus operandi and a keen manner for destabilizing the picture enough to drive uncommonly hard-swinging trio interplay. This two-fer collects both dates Manne played with Evans--and bassists Monty Budwig (on Empathy in 1962) and longtime trio member Eddie Gomez (on A Simple Matter of Conviction in 1966)--and the pairing makes great sense. Not only did Manne push the trio to new places, but Evans yanked Manne into a kind of ultrasensitive spot, too, engaging the drums and ride cymbals so that they sound harmonic and melodic. The net result is hair-raising in its exactness and a pleasure to hear. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

A different taste..........2007-06-13

In this double session, you can hear a very special sound in Evans' style. I believe this is also because of great Shelley Manne on drums: it is true, he didn't reharsal so much with Evans, but Manne, better than anyother (sorry for Motian, Morrell, Riel, La Barbera...), can support and enhance the intricate rhythmic concept of Evans and he does it with great personality! With Manne, finally, we can enjoy the real trio balance not just two voices + drums as in the historical session at Village Vanguard...but probably Mr. Evans preferred to dialogue just with bass.

Brilliant Evans.......2004-11-16

I have been listening to Bill Evans for more years than I care to think of, and have many of his 33 rpm albums. Having said that, "Empathy" is one of my favorite albums and I think one of his best. Now, I know I will get a lot of flak from other Evans fans who consider his best years were with Scott La Faro, but hear me out.

Evans' playing on this album (6 cuts) range from the joyful, ebulliant, to the pensive, moody Evans we often associate with him. "With a Song in My Heart" and "Washington Twist" (by Irving Berlin, no less), are bouncing, joyful outings, as are "I Believe in You" and "Let's Go Back to th e Waltz". The two ballads, "Goodbye" and "Danny Boy" are a combination of one-note and brilliant chordal playing, with clusters and complex, two-handed chords, all the while with soaring melodies. "Danny Boy" is notable for its sad, lonely aura, while "Goodbye" has some very forceful, bluesy playing by Evans.

I think this is Bill Evans at his best. No fan, or novice, should consider his collection complete until they have listened to this at least once. You won't be sorry!!

A simple matter of monster talents!.......2002-07-24

"A simple matter of conviction". The fact is that this is more a matter of monster talents to be real!! These two encounters are a dream come true! Bill Evans with Shelly Manne, Eddie Gomez and Monty Budwig. An impressionist kind of jazz, light, fluid, deep, delicate, intellectual, ironic, with an unbelievable interplay between the musicians. If you love Jazz, you can't do without this recording. It's Bill Evans at his best, with some spice added by Shelly. Probably there will never be another Bill, but sure there will never be another Shelly too.
Really, trust me, these two albums are wonderful. Buy this piece of jazz history.

Great!.......2002-05-09

I love this Bill Evans album. One highlight is With a Song in My Heart, which is very funny. But the whole album (actually two albums) is a joy to listen to.

Lover's of Bill Evan's Must Own This.......2000-10-27

These two Bill Evan's Sessions differ greatly from your standard Evan's album's. However, it is a very unique look at his skill in playing others music beautifully. He only has a few originals on these two albums. This is not a Bill Evan's starter kit, but should be owned and loved by his fans.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music