CD review: Bill Evans Trio – Live In Scandinavia 1970 – 2022: Video, CD cover

In 1970, the Bill Evans Trio visited the home of Finnish composer Ilkka Kuusisto for a private performance and conversation. The event was taped for Finnish TV.

Kuusisto is a classical composer who was the conductor at the Helsinki City Theater and later general manager of the Finnish National Opera. His house at the time was on Lauttasaari island in Helsinki, about five minutes west of the city center.

For years, tape of the visit by the trio – Evans on piano, Eddie Gomez on bass and Marty Morell on drums – was up on YouTube in pieces and in black and white. With the raw weather outside the windows, there was a gloominess about it. Now, the film has been colorized and there’s a completely different feel. Turns out the sun came out from behind the clouds at times. I’m guessing the visit took place in late February, when the trio was in Finland before or after performing in Lund, Sweden.

1. If You Could See Me Now
2. ‘Round Midnight
3. Someday My Prince Will Come
4. Sleepin’ Bee
5. You’re Gonna Hear from Me
6. Re Person I Knew
7. Emily
8. Alfie
9. Someday My Prince Will Come

Bill Evans piano
Eddie Gomez bass
Marty Morell drum