Bill Evans & Jim Hall: Undercurrent

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Other than four piano solos from April 4, 1962, this set was pianist Bill Evans' first recordings after a hiatus caused by bassist Scott LaFaro's tragic death in a car accident. The first of two meetings on record in a duo format with guitarist Jim Hall, the collaborations are often exquisite. Both Evans and Hallhad introspective and harmonically advanced styles along with roots in hard-swinging bebop. There is more variety than expected on the fine set with some cookers, ballads, waltzes, and even some hints at classical music. Recommended. [Some reissues include four bonus tracks, including two alternate takes and previously unheard versions of "Stairway to the Stars" and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You."]

Undercurrent is a 1962 album by jazz pianist Bill Evans and jazz guitarist Jim Hall. They would collaborate again in 1966 for the follow-up album Intermodulation.

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SET LIST "My Funny Valentine" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) "I Hear a Rhapsody" (Jack Baker, George Fragos, Dick Gasparre) "Dream Gypsy" (Judith Veveers) "Romain" (Jim Hall) "Skating in Central Park" (Lewis) "Darn That Dream" (DeLange, Van Heusen) "Stairway to the Stars" (Malneck, Parish, Signorelli) "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" (Bassman, Washington) "My Funny Valentine [Alternate Take] "Romain" [Alternate Take]


____ MUSICIANS
Bill Evans (p)
Jim Hall (gr)

____ Recorded April 24 & May 14, 1962 Sound Makers, New York City