Is But Beautiful a good place to start with Bill Evans?

Yes, But Beautiful is recommended as a starting point for new Bill Evans listeners. A serene exploration of melody where intricate piano lines intertwine with soft, introspective rhythms and subtle harmonies. Released in 1996, But Beautiful was one of Bill Evans' final albums before his passing in 1980. It showcases his enduring mastery of jazz piano, marking a late-career return to the intimate trio format that defined much of his earlier work. This album also reflects his deep engagement with lyrical standards and improvisation during a period where he had solidified his status as a jazz icon.

Who is But Beautiful for?

But Beautiful works well if you're into steady melodic exploration, introspective listening experience and delicate piano harmonies.

How many songs are on But Beautiful?

But Beautiful has 10 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

But Beautiful

Bill Evans · 1996

70 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A serene exploration of melody where intricate piano lines intertwine with soft, introspective rhythms and subtle harmonies.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Grandfather's Waltz Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
But Beautiful — This track exemplifies the album's delicate interplay between melody and harmony, showcasing Evans' masterful touch and emotional conveyance through music.
→
Emily — The reinterpretation of this classic standard highlights Evans' ability to transform familiar melodies into personal expressions, reflecting his signature style.
→
Stan's Blues — A tribute to fellow musician Stan Getz, this track combines rhythmic sophistication with lyrical improvisation, showcasing the trio's cohesive sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and soft dynamics, reflecting Evans' mastery in a serene jazz context.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of soft dynamics, with the piano often leading while the bass and drums provide subtle support.
Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, creating a reflective atmosphere throughout the record.
The arrangements frequently employ intricate counterpoint between the piano and bass, enhancing the melodic interplay.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady melodic exploration
introspective listening experience
delicate piano harmonies
evening relaxation ambiance

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases Evans' enduring mastery and emotional depth in his final years.
Career context: Released in 1996, But Beautiful was one of Bill Evans' final albums before his passing in 1980. It showcases his enduring mastery of jazz piano, marking a late-career return to the intimate trio format that defined much of his earlier work. This album also reflects his deep engagement with lyrical standards and improvisation during a period where he had solidified his status as a jazz icon.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Keith Jarrett· Herbie Hancock