I Remember Bill: Tribute to Bill Evans

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineInstead of replicating the familiar, small-combo arrangements that Bill Evans made his stock in trade, Don Sebesky decided to rearrange such Evans-associated songs as "Waltz for Debby," "So What," "Peace Piece," and "Blue in Green" for jazz orchestra, featuring such all-star musicians as Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Toots Thielemans, Larry Coryell, and the New York Voices. Consequently, I Remember Bill: Tribute to Bill Evans might not be exactly what longtime Evans fans are expecting, and, truth be told, these arrangements don't always work. Nevertheless, Sebesky's ambitions are admirable, and the tracks that do work -- whether it's "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" or the original numbers "I Remember Bill" and "Bill Not Gil" -- are quite enchanting. Furthermore, Evans fanatics will be interested in the unreleased interview excerpt with Evans that's added as a bonus track.