The only studio meeting between
Stan Getz and
Bill Evans took place over two days in 1964, with the aggressive drummer
Elvin Jones and either
Richard Davis or
Ron Carter on bass. It is peculiar that
Verve shelved the results for over a decade before issuing any of the music, though it may have been felt that
Getz and
Evans hadn't had enough time to achieve the desired chemistry, though there are memorable moments. The punchy take of
"My Heart Stood Still," the elegant interpretation of
"Grandfather's Waltz," and the lush setting of the show tune
"Melinda" all came from the first day's session, with
Davis on bass. (Evidently he was unavailable the following day, so
Carter replaced him.)
Evans' driving, challenging
"Funkallero" is the obvious highlight from day two, though the gorgeous
"But Beautiful" and the breezy setting of
"Night and Day" are also enjoyable. Only the brief version of
"Carpetbagger's Theme," which seems badly out of place and suggestive of the label's interference with the session, is a bit of a disappointment. Obviously neither
Getz nor
Evans liked the tune, as they go through the motions in a very brief performance. [Some reissues add three unissued alternate takes, though additional material from the sessions was included in the box set
The Complete Bill Evans on Verve.] ~ Ken Dryden
