INCLUDES 1 BONUS TRACK
"Portrait in Jazz" was Bill Evans’ third LP as a leader, following "New Jazz Conceptions" (1956) and Everybody Digs Bill Evans (1958). It also marked the recording debut of the pianist’s trio featuring the brilliant bassist Scott LaFaro. This group, completed by drummer Paul Motian, is still considered one of the best jazz formations of all time. However, it wouldn’t last long – right after the taping of their widely celebrated June 1961 club recordings at New York’s Village Vanguard, LaFaro died in a car accident on July 6, when he was only 25.
"Portrait in Jazz" was enthusiastically received at the time of its release, and jazz critic Don DeMicheal granted it five stars in his Down Beat review, stating that, “If there’s any doubt that Evans is one of the freshest things to happen to the piano in the last few years, this album should dispel any such feelings. The trio is a closely integrated unit. Here is an album with meaning –here is truth.”
PERSONNEL:
BILL EVANS, piano
SCOTT LaFARO, bass
PAUL MOTIAN, drums
New York, December 28, 1959.
