Is Affinity a good place to start with Bill Evans?

Yes, Affinity is recommended as a starting point for new Bill Evans listeners. Evans' introspective piano weaves through lush harmonies and subtle rhythms, blending cool jazz with emotive storytelling. Released in January 1979, Affinity was Bill Evans' last studio album before his passing later that year. At this point in his career, Evans had already established himself as a pivotal figure in jazz, having spent over two decades influencing the genre with his unique harmonic approach and lyrical improvisation. This album features a collection of original compositions and standards, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.

Affinity works well if you're into intimate piano improvisations, steady melodic exploration and reflective moments of tranquility.

How many songs are on Affinity?

Affinity has 9 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Affinity

Bill Evans · 1979

49 min · 9 tracks · jazz

Evans' introspective piano weaves through lush harmonies and subtle rhythms, blending cool jazz with emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Do It for Your Love Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its gentle melody and intricate harmonies, encapsulating Evans' signature style of blending emotion with sophistication.
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Jesus' Last Ballad — A deeply reflective piece, this track showcases Evans' ability to convey profound emotion through sparse yet powerful piano lines, highlighting his spiritual influences.
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Body and Soul — This classic standard is reinterpreted by Evans with a fresh perspective, allowing his nuanced phrasing and lyrical improvisation to shine in an iconic jazz context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Evans' intricate piano work and emotional depth, making it a significant entry in his discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush chord voicings that create a rich harmonic backdrop for the piano melodies.
Each track typically maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, allowing for extended improvisation and emotional expression.
Evans often employs subtle rhythmic variations, with some tracks featuring syncopated patterns that enhance the overall fluidity of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intimate piano improvisations
steady melodic exploration
reflective moments of tranquility
lush harmonies inviting contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — A poignant final statement showcasing Evans' continued emotional depth and artistry.
Career context: Released in January 1979, Affinity was Bill Evans' last studio album before his passing later that year. At this point in his career, Evans had already established himself as a pivotal figure in jazz, having spent over two decades influencing the genre with his unique harmonic approach and lyrical improvisation. This album features a collection of original compositions and standards, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Keith Jarrett· Herbie Hancock