Bill Evans’ 1974 Symbiosis is an interesting side bar in his extensive catalogue. Reissued and re-mastered by MPS Music, it is one of the very rare times where he eschewed his traditional trio format (at this time with Eddie Gomez/b and Marty Morell/dr) and teamed up with an orchestra lead by Claus Ogerman. Also, Evans delves into the Fender-Rhodes piano as an addition to his usual milieu, with the results being a wondrous surprise.
The music is divided into two “Movements” , with the “1st Movement” having three parts, and the “2nd Movement consisting of two. Evans goes solo, duet and trio with a rich orchestra on the opening “Moderato” that gives hints to hip B-movie hipness, with the second including a serpentine sax section driven on by a Latin rhythm section that doesn’t let go. His Rhodes work on the third piece feels like a soundtrack to a Mannix episode, while his piano and strings get deliciously dreamy on the “Largo”of the “Second Movement.” The album closes with a dramatic orchestration that casts rich shadows, teaming with Evans’ elegant fingerwork. This is a side of Mr. Evans that deserves appreciation. Look for this one and surprise your friends.