Bill Evans Trio - Moon Beams

Bill Evans was left reeling by the accidental death of his brilliant bassist Scott LaFaro in mid-1961 and didn't feel ready to record with his new bassist until nearly a year later. When he did go into the studio in May and June of 1962 with Chuck Israels and drummer Paul Motian, the "second trio" produced material for two albums that were to be among Evans's most popular. Moonbeams includes ballad material from the sessions. The rest of the music from the sessions is in How My Heart Sings!

In Moonbeams, Evans did some of his most introspective playing, his sense of loss apparent but relieved by Israels's power and empathy. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "If You Could See Me Now," and the others represent Evans at his best, his lyricism underlaid with rhythmic firmness even in the extraordinarily slow "In Love in Vain."

Originally released in 1962. Japanese pressing.

Bill Evans, piano
Chuck Israels, bass
Paul Motian, drums

1. Re: Person I Knew

2. Polka Dots and Moonbeams

3. I Fall in Love Too Easily

4. Stairway To the Stars

5. If You Could See Me Now

6. It Might As Well Be Spring

7. In Love In Vain

8. Very Early

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 1 person(s) rated this product.

Mass production of an imperfect medium posted on 01/31/2007 5 Stars First of all let me say this, Bill Evan's "Moon Beans" is lush and ethereal, nothing less than shear acoustic genius. The first LP was warped so badly not on the outer rim, but actually in the grooves of the first cut on side one, as if someone had laid the LP on a paper clip while it was still warm from the press. After returning the defective item and several weeks of waiting, I received another copy of this album only to find the it was defective in the exact same area, with an adjustment of stylus pressure I am able to enjoy this LP. "Moon Beams" is a lovely recording and it truly hurts me more than I'd thought it would to have to be satisfied with a sub standard copy from such a outstanding organization as "Acoustic Sounds Inc." Should I have opted for an "Audiophile" version in the hopes of better quality control?

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