It would be difficult to find a contemporary jazz pianist under the age of 50 whose playing was untouched by the influence of Bill Evans (1929-80). He is best known for his subtlety and lightness of touch, but he was a master of the whole jazz art. There's some quite ferociously swinging playing in this four-disc set. Best of all are the tracks by his classic trio of 1959-61, including the 12 wonderful pieces recorded live at New York's Village Vanguard club. The modern piano trio starts here, with total empathy among all three instruments – piano, bass and drums. Essential listening.