Bill Evans & Herbie Mann | Nirvana

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden  [-]

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. oMann, 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 Steigjoined him on a later record for Verve), though he was fond of the instrument; the capable Chuck Israelson 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 Mann's playing, though the trio's backing is very understated. Things open up a bit with a sparkling take of Cole Porter's "I Love You." Mann's two originals, "Nirvana" and "Cashmere," aren't quite as memorable; substituting one of Evans' compositions for either of them might have provided some additional spark. Still, fans of either Herbie Mann or Bill Evans will want to acquire this enjoyable set.

Nirvana is an album by jazz flautist Herbie Mann with Bill Evans's Trio featuring Chuck Israels and Paul Motian, released in 1964 on the Atlantic label and featuring performances recorded in 1961 and 1962.

Bill Evans (p)
Herbie Mann (fl)
Chuck Israels (b)
Paul Motian (dr)


Released: Early October 1964 Recorded: December 8, 1961 & May 4, 1962 Atlantic Studios NY Label: Atlantic SD 1426 Producer: Nesuhi Ertegun

"Nirvana" (Herbie Mann) "Gymnopedie" (Erik Satie) "I Love You" (Cole Porter) "Willow Weep for Me" (Ann Ronell) "Lover Man" (Jimmy Davis, Ram Ramirez, James Sherman) "Cashmere" (Herbie Mann)