Bill Evans - New Jazz Conceptions

Bill Evans — New Jazz Conceptions (Mono)

Individual title from The Bill Evans Riverside Recordings Box Set

180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at RTI

Mastered by Kevin Gray & Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering AAA analog from original master tapes

Praise for our Riverside Recordings LP Box Set from Analogue Productions

"These are, for the most part, extraordinary-sounding recordings, better than any you're likely to find. If you love the music, you should consider the purchase." — Fred Kaplan, Stereophile, Nov. 1, 2017

Of everything Analogue Productions has reissued, few titles have sparked the accolades accorded our 45 RPM versions of Bill Evans titles from his Riverside catalog. Now, we're breaking the titles out from that terrific set for individual sale. These are the audiophile jazz fan's definitive releases for your collection! 

In September 1956, a 27-year-old pianist named Bill Evans quietly recorded New Jazz Conceptions — his debut album, and a bold opening statement from a musician still flying under the radar. At the time, Evans wasn't yet the name whispered with reverence in every jazz circle; Miles Davis hadn't called him up yet, and most listeners had no idea what was coming. But listening now, you can hear the spark of genius that would soon reshape modern jazz piano.

Here, Evans' introspective touch, harmonic daring, and rhythmic sensitivity were already fully formed. Whether in his intricate trio interplay or the luminous solo passages, there's an unmistakable sense of discovery — of an artist thinking and feeling at the keyboard in real time. It's the kind of music, both cerebral and deeply human, that never loses its emotional pull.

For collectors, New Jazz Conceptions isn't just Evans' first step — it's the blueprint for everything that followed. You can trace the DNA of later masterpieces, the sound that inspired Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, and generations beyond. This is Bill Evans before the legend-still refining, still exploring — but already unmistakably himself.

Musicians:
Bill Evans, piano
Teddy Kotick, bass
Paul Motian, drums