Montreux II – Bill Evans – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

Recorded live at the 1970 Montreux Jazz Festival, “Montreux II” captures Bill Evans at a vibrant crossroads in his career. Joined by Eddie Gómez on bass and Marty Morell on drums, Evans transforms the trio format into a living, breathing entity, where every note is weighted with emotion and every silence carries meaning. The setlist ventures beyond standards—Evans’ own compositions such as “Very Early” and “34 Skidoo” reveal his gift for melody and harmonic nuance, while his interpretations of classics like “Alfie” are imbued with a sense of searching intimacy.

What makes “Montreux II” stand out is more than technical mastery; it’s the trio’s palpable chemistry and willingness to take risks onstage. Gómez’s agile bass lines and Morell’s sensitive cymbal work create a dynamic canvas for Evans’ lyrical improvisations. The album preserves the immediacy of a European jazz festival setting, where the audience’s attentive hush frames every phrase. For those who value live recordings that capture both the high-wire tension and the spontaneous joy of jazz, this album is indispensable. “Montreux II” is not only a testament to Evans’ artistry but a vital document of jazz’s evolving language in the early 1970s.

Track List:
A1 – Introduction – 1:12
A2 – Very Early – 5:10
A3 – Alfie – 5:05
A4 – 34 Skidoo – 5:20
B1 – How My Heart Sings – 3:55
B2 – Israel – 4:08
B3 – I Hear A Rhapsody – 5:30
B4 – Peri’s Scope – 5:30