What does Homecoming sound like?

A reflective blend of intricate harmonies and emotive melodies that captures the essence of cool jazz. Rooted in post-bop and cool jazz. Start with "Re: Person I Knew".

Is Homecoming a good place to start with Bill Evans?

Yes, Homecoming is recommended as a starting point for new Bill Evans listeners. A reflective blend of intricate harmonies and emotive melodies that captures the essence of cool jazz. Released in 1999, Homecoming was one of Bill Evans' final albums, showcasing his enduring artistry in jazz. At this stage in his career, Evans was already celebrated as a pioneer of cool jazz and modal jazz, having influenced countless musicians since his debut in the late 1950s. This album follows a prolific period where he continued to evolve his sound, even as he faced declining health.

Who is Homecoming for?

Homecoming works well if you're into introspective melodies for reflection, wave-like pacing with resolution and for late-night solitude.

How many songs are on Homecoming?

Homecoming has 13 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Homecoming

Bill Evans · 1999

74 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A reflective blend of intricate harmonies and emotive melodies that captures the essence of cool jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Re: Person I Knew Start here — This track opens the album with a delicate interplay of piano and bass, illustrating Evans' introspective style while paying homage to personal connections.
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Turn Out the Stars — The piece showcases Evans' lyrical approach to composition, weaving complex chords with haunting melodies that evoke a deep sense of longing.
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I Loves You, Porgy — Evans' interpretation features lush harmonies and subtle dynamics, transforming this classic into an emotional exploration rather than a mere cover.
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Song From M a S H — This arrangement highlights Evans' ability to blend popular melodies with sophisticated jazz elements, creating a poignant tribute to the original song's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and skilled performances, maintaining a reflective mood throughout.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of intricate piano harmonies that weave through the melodies, creating a reflective atmosphere.
Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, allowing for extended improvisation and exploration of themes.
The arrangements often include subtle shifts in dynamics, with moments of quiet introspection followed by more expressive passages.

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: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

introspective melodies for reflection
wave-like pacing with resolution
for late-night solitude
delicate harmonies evoke nostalgia
thoughtful background for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party tracks
prefer fast-paced listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases Evans' enduring artistry and high acclaim in his later years.
Career context: Released in 1999, Homecoming was one of Bill Evans' final albums, showcasing his enduring artistry in jazz. At this stage in his career, Evans was already celebrated as a pioneer of cool jazz and modal jazz, having influenced countless musicians since his debut in the late 1950s. This album follows a prolific period where he continued to evolve his sound, even as he faced declining health.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Keith Jarrett· Herbie Hancock