by Scott Yanow
Bill Evans' debut as a leader found the 27-year-old pianist already sounding much different than the usual
Bud Powell
-influenced keyboardists of the time. Even in 1956 (more than a year before he joined the
Miles Davis Sextet
), Evans had his own chord voicings and a lyrical yet swinging style. Three selections (including the original version of his classic &Waltz for Debby&) on this CD reissue are taken solo, while the other nine (including his future theme &Five,& &Speak Low& and two versions of &No Cover, No Minimum&) are performed in a trio with bassist
Teddy Kotick
and drummer
Paul Motian
. A strong start to a rather significant career. [New Jazz Conceptions was reissued in 2006 and includes a bonus track.]