MARTIN WIND: Turn out the Stars (Music Written or Inspired by Bill Evans) [TrackList follows] – Scott Robinson (tenor sax)/ Bill Cunliffe (piano)/ Joe LaBarbera (drums)/ Martin Wind (bass) /Orch. Filarmonica Marchigiana – What If Music

by | Jul 6, 2014 | Jazz CD Reviews

MARTIN WIND: Turn Out the Stars (Music Written or Inspired by Bill Evans) [TrackList follows] – Scott Robinson (tenor sax)/ Bill Cunliffe (piano)/ Joe LaBarbera (drums)/ Martin Wind (bass) /Orch. Filarmonica Marchigiana – What If Music WIM01, 1:12:42 (5/20/14) ***:

Turn Out the Stars is an interesting fusion album based on the music of jazz great Bill Evans, and it is augmented in lush arrangements accompanied by the Italian Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana.

The whole concept was arranged by bassist Martin Wind. The quartet includes Scott Robinson on tenor sax, Bill Cunliffe on piano and Joe LaBarbera on drums. LaBarbera also played in a trio with Evans. Evans died in 1980, and was surely one of the great jazz pianists and composers of all time.

The arrangements of the Evans standards are quite nice. The recording is good, although not of reference or demo quality. It’s taken from a live performance recorded in Italy in 2011.

Not every track is a piece by Evans, some are tributes to him played in his signature style. As a CD, this is a relaxed listen, but it’s a bit reminiscent of lounge music without the special drive and energy Evans imported to his own playing.

This is not a performance or recording that really connected with me. I’m not so sure fans of Bill Evans will get excited about it either. I consider it an interesting idea, but really it’s just a novelty. Well-played for sure, but ultimately not compelling to my ears.

TrackList:

1.Turn Out the Stars
2.My Foolish Heart
3.The Days of Wine and Roses
4.Jeremy
5.Memory of Scotty
6.Kind of Bill
7.Blue in Green
8.Twelve Tone Tune Two
9.Goodbye Mr. Evans

—Mel Martin

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