by Scott Yanow
Apparently, pianist Bill Evans was in bad shape at the time of this recording, both due to his heroin addiction and his grief over the premature death of his bassist Scott LaFaro in 1961. Evans playing on Solo Sessions, Vol. 2 is a bit hesitant at times but the solo set (released for the first time in the late '80s) actually has its strong moments. Although his interpretations of standards are mostly somewhat somber, Evans sounds quite cheerful on &Santa Claus Is Coming to Town& and fairly inventive on thoughtful versions of such songs as &All the Things You Are,& &What Kind of Fool Am I& and &Ornithology.&