The Solo Sessions, Vol. 2 (1963)

About this title: Apparently, pianist Bill Evans was in bad shape at the time of this recording, both due to his heroin addiction and his grief over the premature death of his bassist Scott LaFaro in 1961. Evans playing on Solo Sessions, Vol. 2 is a bit hesitant at times but the solo set (released for the first time in the late '80s) actually has its strong moments. Although his interpretations of standards are mostly somewhat somber, Evans sounds quite cheerful on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and fairly inventive on thoughtful versions of such songs as "All the Things You Are," "What Kind of Fool Am I" and ... read more

Tracks:

1. All the Things You Are [Kern/Hammerstein]
2. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town [Coots/Gillespie]
3. I Loves You, Porgy [Gershwin/Gershwin]
4. What Kind of Fool Am I? [Bricusse/Newley]
5. Love Is Here to Stay [Gershwin/Gershwin]
6. Ornithology [Harris/Parker]
7. Medley: Autumn in New York/How About You? [Duke/Freed/Lane]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.