My first reaction when considering Time Remembered: The Music of Bill Evans (Unseenrain – 9960) by trombonist PAT HALL was what is there in the music of Evans that would inspire a trombonist to enlist an organ trio comprising Greg “Organ Monk” Lewis on Hammond organ, Marvin Sewell on guitar and Mike Campenni on drums to explore these tunes? Well, spending a bit over an hour listening to the album showed me that music associated with an iconic jazz player like Evans can be interpreted by good musicians with their own perspectives, and with interesting, satisfying results. The choice of Lewis is logical as he has released three albums of music by or associated with Thelonious Monk using his organ-based group, reconceiving the material, much as Hall has done with the Evans songs. The program includes four selections composed by Evans, “Watz for Debbie,” “Know What I Mean,” “Time Remembered” and “Peri’s Scope.” There are two songs by close associates of Evans, “Gloria’s Step” by bassist Scott LaFaro, and An Evans favorite, “Elsa” by Earl Zindars. Also included is another song often addressed by Evans, “Spring Is Here.” Hall is a superb improviser with technique to spare. The Lewis trio is not typical, being much more modern in conception than most organ-based units. All of this makes for a fascinating engagement with the Evans oeuvre. (unseenrainrecords.com)
– Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz, January 2016