Jazz Pianist Salutes a Musical Mentor

*** FRED HERSCH

“Evanessence: A Tribute to Bill Evans”

Evidence

Bill Evans was a musical father figure for a substantial number of current jazz pianists. And Fred Hersch, who has never hesitated to note his indebtedness to Evans, recorded the tribute “Evanessence” in 1990. But it was released at the time only in Japan, which makes it essentially a new issue for the U.S. market.

Gary Burton and Toots Thielemans make guest appearances on tracks that are pleasant enough as moody jazz, but which tend to lose the subtle, layered complexity of Evans’ music.

The real substance of the album is the intensity of Hersch’s then-deep involvement with the Evans style. On trio renderings of pieces such as “Turn Out the Stars,” “Time Remembered” and “I Wish I Knew,” the paternal creative spirit of Evans is ever-present, driving and enhancing the improvisations of one of his most talented musical offspring.

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