The modern jazz piano trio, Bill Evans harmonic sense of self discovery played with a three dimensional soul including ChicK Corea along with bassist Eddie Gomez and the late drummer Paul Motian.
Further Explorations was recorded live at the Blue Note in New York City on May 4-17, 2010. Sadly drummer Paul Motian passed away on 11/22/11. This two-CD live set of 19 tracks is a profound and exemplary work of three master musicians displaying a musical synergy and cohesion rarely heard and in some cases felt. Far from a tribute, the discography of Evans was carefully considered along with original work from each trio member. A special gift is included on disc one, "Song No.1." is a previously unrecorded piece by Evans. The trio also replicates Irving Berlin's "They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful," from Annie Get Your Gun and examines "Peri's Scope" from Evans' Portrait In Jazz. A presentation of substance merging with style thanks to Corea's deft touch and the rhythmic finesse of Gomez and Motian. Perhaps the highlight of disc one is the intimately beautiful Evans ballad "Laurie."
Disc two goes a bit more adventurous with the Corea original "Another Tango" and the stellar opening tune "Hot House." Paul Motian's "Mode VI" and the Gomez original "Puccini's Walk" are perfect companions to the Evans work offered and a gentle reminder of how the classic brilliance that is Bill Evans has impacted so many giants of our time.
Corea is a disciple of Bill Evans, having adapted many of Evan's harmonic concepts and techniques to Corea's prolific discography and prodigious output. While there is a the harmonic frame of reference there is the lyrical flow of Corea that seems to infuse new life and new musical trains of thought as some of the most sacred music of the modern jazz piano trio is not just reexamined but redefined for the next generation.
Sound quality can make or break a live release. As is typical for Concord releases the sound quality is pristine and in perfect harmony with the evocative cover. Further Explorations is presented just after the 50 year anniversary of the Riverside release Explorations, a Bill Evans classic. Further Explorations is an instant classic and arguably one of Corea's finest recordings.
5 stars!
Tracks: Peri's Scope; Gloria's Step; They Say Falling In Love Is Wonderful; Alice In Wonderland; Song No. 1; Diane; Off The Cuff; Laurie; Bill Evans; Little Rootie Tootie; Hot House; Mode VI; Another Tango; Turn Out The Stars; Rhapsody; Very Early; But Beautiful - Part 1; But Beautiful - Part 2; Puccini's Walk.
