BILL EVANS Vinyl & CDs

Review: Many critics have suggested that Know What I Mean is one of the most accessible and desirable albums in Cannonball Adderley's vast discography. Recorded and released in 1961, it saw the saxophonist join forces with virtuoso pianist Bill Evans and the rhythm section of the Modern Jazz Quintet to deliver an impressively diverse range of tracks that largely draw influence from hard-bop and soul-jazz. There are some great up-tempo numbers in which both Adderley and Evans shine - see 'Who Cares', 'Toy' and 'Waltz For Debby' - while the album's most quiet and contemplative moments are, arguably, even better. For proof, check the sublime and haunting 'Goodbye'.

Review: The plainspoken title Previously Unheard Recordings was given to Stan Getz and Bill Evans' six-track set of rarities back in 1974. The result of a recording session completed over ten years earlier in 1963, all the pieces heard here shine bright lights on the pianist and saxophonist's synergistic powers, and come backed by auxiliary instrumental incantations from two bassists, Ron Carter and Richard Davis, as well as drumming by Elvin Jones. Emblematic of the cool jazz style, the overgirding mood is one of time-lapsed delight and lightness of being, but yet which is not fearful of life's downer moments; this loyalty to jazz's complexity of mood can be heard all the way from 'Night And Day' or the closing 'Grandfather's Waltz'.