Monday, January 14, 2008

Alice in Wonderland (Take 1) - Bill Evans Trio











Today I'm posting the third song from Alice in Wonderland this month! Joe, whoever you are, you must be happy now! Not only does this continue to fill Joe's request, but it also fills an anonymous request for this version of the title song by the BILL EVANS TRIO.

Bill Evans is one of the most influential jazz pianists of the 20th century. His use of syncopated and polyrhythmic melodic lines changed the way many jazz pianists interpreted melodies. He also took a new approach to soloing that often meant two people would solo together in a sort of 'conversation'.

Alice in Wonderland (Take 1) was recorded live at the Village Vanguard in July 1961. SUNDAY AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD collects the best of the five sessions recorded that day and is often said to be one of the best jazz recordings of all time. You'll notice that there is also Alice in Wonderland (Take 2) on this album. Last year a box set came out collecting all of the recording from these sessions.

The Bill Evans Trio featured bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. SUNDAY AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD is the last time this trio would play together as LaFaro was killed in a car accident ten days later.

I chose to post this song because today marks the anniversary of Lewis Carrol's death in 1898. And in two weeks, on January 27th, marks the anniversary of his birth in 1832! No wonder I'm playing so much Alice in Wonderland this month!

3 comments:

Eduardo said...

The first time I heard this (as well as Take 2), I was floored.

Filled with emotion, Bill Evans delivered a masterful rendition.

It did the original justice...I've been trying to get the sheet music for years.

Anonymous said...

try:

http://music.netstoreusa.com/songs/1006/HL00672510~10720.shtml

for sheet music to this song

Dunhill Hilton said...

Alice in Wonderland is the most beautiful song ever recorded by Bill Evans. Thank you.