On May 1, when I reviewed the newly released album Bill Evans: Treasures (Elemental Music), I wrote about the tranquilizing affect that Denmark seemed to have on Evans's playing. I pointed out that many of his best live recordings were made there, especially between 1965 and 1970. As you listen to Treasures, you can hear that Evans was thoroughly relaxed, and it shows in his measured playing, delicate attack and lyrical optimism.
Earlier this week, Dave Thompson brought to my attention a captivating, colorized clip of Evans, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell performing three songs in Copenhagen on December 14, 1970. My guess is that this was an afternoon rehearsal taped for Danish TV to be broadcast at a later date, perhaps with audience applause overdubbed.
As a point of reference, this appearance took place during the same tour when the trio played a private performance at the home of Finnish composer Ilkka Kuusisto in Helsinki (go here). Also a notably chilled trio execution.
Here's the colorized video of the Bill Evans Trio in Denmark playing Emily, Alfie and Someday My Prince Will Come in 1970. Sheer Evans perfection...
