Historically, we’re meant to think this was a low spot for Evans, and certainly it was in his private life, following the death of Scott LaFaro in July 1961 – but musically, you’d hardly know it. The pianist’s invention and execution is undiminished and, while the energy level may sometimes be lower, that doesn’t detract from the content. To be sure, Israels was at this stage more cautious than his predecessor but his accompaniment is stimulating, and Motian does all sorts of discreet and wonderful things. As with their double-CD of the Village Vanguard Sessions (Jazzwise 168), EJC have abandoned the playlist of the LP issues (Moonbeams and How My Heart Sings) and present the tracks in their order of recording. Particularly interesting is the run of five Evans originals done on a single day (from ‘Walkin’ Up’ to ’34 Skidoo’, which alternates between 3/4 and 4/4), as is Bill’s willingness to play standards in keys like E and B. There’s also a Birdland airshot of three tunes (including ‘Gloria’s Step’) and the album with Herbie Mann added, about which Evans is the best thing. Revisiting records known and internalised 50 years ago, you find many intriguing new details, and Evans’s work is no exception.