Other than four piano solos from April 4, 1962, this set was pianist
Bill Evans' first recordings after a hiatus caused by bassist Scott LaFaro's
tragic death in a car accident. The first of two meetings on record in a
duo format with guitarist Jim Hall, the collaborations are often
exquisite. Both Evans and Hall had introspective and harmonically
advanced styles along with roots in hard-swinging bebop. There is more
variety than expected on the fine set with some cookers, ballads,
waltzes, and even some hints at classical music. This reissue includes four bonus tracks, including two alternate takes and
previously unheard versions of "Stairway to the Stars" and "I'm Getting
Sentimental Over You."