Originally recorded in 1962, Undercurrents would be the first of two recorded collaborations between pianist Bill Evans and guitarist Jim Hall. The legendary NYC session finds the two jazz maestros in top form in the rare (for jazz) duo format, offering a beautifully introspective performance in the hard-swing / bebop style. Evans had just come off a long hiatus from recording (following the death of bassist Scott LaFaro), but delivers his signature gentle and melodic touch, as Hall perfectly complements with advanced harmonies. Includes "My Funny Valentine," "I Hear A Rhapsody," "Dream Gypsy," "Romain," "Skating In Central Park," and "Darn That Dream," housed in a gatefold picture sleeve featuring Toni Frissell's photograph "Weeki Wachee Spring, Florida." This 2024 Jackpot reissue is an all-analog production affair - AAA Mastered from the Original Analog Master Tapes and cut live by Kevin Gray (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus). Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• all-analog remaster cut from the original master tapes
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ original liner notes
• original release year: 1962
• music label: Jackpot Records 2024

reviewed by neck cork 03/2018