On Green Dolphin Street cover

On Green Dolphin Street

Bill Evans · 1975

44 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A tender exploration of melody and harmony, weaving intricate piano lines with soft, introspective rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You and the Night and the Music Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its flowing melodies and intricate interplay, showcasing Evans' signature style of blending lyrical beauty with complex harmonies.
  • →
    Green Dolphin Street — Evans brings a new life to this classic standard, using rich chords and a contemplative pace that highlights his emotive playfulness and technical skill.
  • →
    All Of You (take 1) — This track exemplifies Evans' profound sensitivity; his nuanced touch on the piano creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
68 /100
Alpine
Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate melodies and reflective rhythms create a distinctive yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of soft, introspective rhythms that create a reflective atmosphere throughout.
  • Each track showcases intricate piano lines that often explore variations on the main melody rather than sticking to a single interpretation.
  • The first three tracks are all under five minutes, while the last four extend beyond six minutes, allowing for more elaborate improvisation.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • serene piano improvisations to unwind
  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • lush harmonies inviting deep focus
  • gradual builds with satisfying resolutions

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer immediate gratification over nuance

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released after a hiatus, it showcases Evans' continued artistic vitality.
Career context
Released in 1975, On Green Dolphin Street marked Bill Evans' return to the studio after a brief hiatus. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in jazz, following his acclaimed work in the 1960s and early 70s. This album features the classic trio format that Evans had perfected, showcasing his unique harmonic approach and lyrical improvisation.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Keith Jarrett· Herbie Hancock

Tracklist

  • 1 You and the Night and the Music Start here 7:22
  • 2 How Am I to Know? 6:20
  • 3 Woody 'n' You (take 1) 4:26
  • 4 Woody 'n' You (take 2) 4:11
  • 5 My Heart Stood Still 5:21
  • 6 Green Dolphin Street 8:11
  • 7 All Of You (take 1) 8:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata