Bill Evans – Live at Art D’Lugoff’s Top of the Gate

In two live sets recorded on October 23, 1968 at Art D’Lugoff’s Top of the Gate, Bill Evans Trio, which included bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell, laid down some outstanding jazz standards such as a swing version of “My Funny Valentines,” a melodious rendition of Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” and two brilliant takes on Thelonious Monk’s “Round Midnight.” Although Evans was the driving force behind the trio, both Gomez and Morell were also at the top of their game. In “Autumn Leaves,” Gomez played some of the finest basslines backing up by Morell’s crystal light brush strokes in addition to keeping up with Evans’s changing in tempos and shifting in moods. Great chemistry produced great feelings. Kudos to engineer George Klabin for the excellent sound setting of the sessions.