Interplay

by Scott Yanow Although pianist Bill Evans had been recording as a leader steadily since 1959 (with one date in 1956), it wasn't until this 1962 session -- one of his first after returning to active playing a year after bassist Scott LaFaro's tragic death -- that he introduced a horn. Evans is featured with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Philly Joe Jones performing five veteran standards (highlighted by "You and the Night and the Music," "You Go to My Head," and "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams"), plus the pianist's blues "Interplay." Excellent music. [The CD reissue also adds a second take of "I'll Never Smile Again."]