THE OSLO CONCERTS: This DVD was released in January by Koch International. First is a 31 -minute, October 1966 concert with Eddie Gomez on bass and Alex Riel on drums (same one as the Japanese DVD release "Autumn Leaves: Live -66" )

Next is the August 1980 Molde Jazz Festival appearance with Johnson and LaBarbera (plus the post-concert interview, the full version which we published here). Both performances have not been available in the USA until now.

The Molde concert is an absolute must if you haven't seen it -- this version of "Your Story" alone (clip above) is worth the modest price, not to mention the deep and exploratory, tour-de-force of "Nardis". The audience looks mesmerized.

You'll be too!

Ejazzlines has a great price: $18.99 (USA)

The series "American Masters" latest installment is "Tony Bennett -The Music Never Ends" has been airing nationally on PBS.(Check your local listings, as they say) It's directed by Bruce Ricker (of Rhapsody Films) and produced by Clint Eastwood (who also appears, along with Bill Charlap, Mel Brooks and many others). This amazing look at the legendary singer has some refreshing clips new and old, and features part of the appearance Bennett and Bill Evans did on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" from 1975. It has Tony and Bill doing "When in Rome" from their duo album, (and a snippet from the interview with Johnny) It's quite rare and it's a thrill to finally see this segment, and the comments about Bill surrounding it. If you're a fan of the Great American Songbook, you won't want to miss this show.

Here's an interesting review of the Tony Bennett film from the L.A. Times

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Bill Evans article at Pitchforkmedia.com by columnist Mark Richardson. The "Alone" album, "Kind of Blue", Bill's "Peace Piece" and more are ruminated on in this most interesting little piece.

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In part two, Evans drummer (1966-74) Marty Morell reveals more in this interview with webmaster Jan Stevens about his years working with Bill, the hassle when Stan Getz' sat in on tour with the trio in Europe, the "Living Time" album fiasco, why he left the trio, the Evans legacy, the music, his current projects and his CD, and much, much more. Fascinating stuff!
(If you missed it, here's part one.)

ON DVD: "THE UNIVERSAL MIND OF BILL EVANS"

This famous documentary -- also known as "Bill Evans on The Creative Process" -- produced by Helen Keane and featuring Bill and his brother Harry discussing jazz and jazz education)is now available on DVD, though so far few online retailers carry it. Try Rhapsody Films. (or ejazzlines.com) Bill plays "Time Remembered", "Star Eyes" and a few others to make his points. If you've never seen this one, you're in for a real treat. it is an abosolute MUST for any serious Evans fan.

SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T GET IT - The blog site bagatellen.com ran a lengthy discussion on Bill Evans a little while back, including quite a pejorative title and two considerably erudite (however disagreeable) essays. Evans supporters and amateur "critics" alike voiced various pros and cons on the legendary pianist's legacy and influence.
For those who are still beyond hope, we may have to get them a copy of this "book" seen above...

Last but hopefully not least ...the NYC Bill Evans Tribute Concert in 2000

A masterful review by our friend, jazz enthusiast and Evans fan extraordinaire Bruce Branigan. The 2000 concert featured pianists Marian McPartland, Bill Charlap, Dick Hyman, Fred Hirsch, Jack Reilly and your humble webmaster, Jan Stevens..

ATTENTION MUSICIANS! DON'T FORGET THESE FINE MUSIC BOOKS OF BILL EVANS SOLOS AND TRANSCRIPTIONS. They are published by TRO, Inc. and available through Hal Leonard Publishing and other music outlets!