Time Remembered: John McLaughlin Plays Bill Evans cover

Time Remembered: John McLaughlin Plays Bill Evans

John McLaughlin · 1993

40 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A delicate interplay of jazz harmonies and intricate guitar work pays tribute to the lyrical beauty of Bill Evans' compositions.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waltz for Debby — This track exemplifies the gentle yet complex nature of Evans' writing, showcasing McLaughlin's ability to weave intricate melodies with emotional resonance. Its fluid guitar lines beautifully reflect the original piano piece's charm.
  • →
    Time Remembered — The title track serves as a poignant centerpiece, featuring haunting melodies that capture the essence of nostalgia and reflection inherent in Evans' music. McLaughlin's expressive playing invites deep emotional engagement.
  • →
    Only Child — In this track, McLaughlin delivers a captivating performance that accentuates the song's introspective qualities, blending lyrical guitar phrases with subtle rhythmic shifts. It highlights his interpretative skill while honoring Evans' legacy.

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

McLaughlin's tribute to Evans features intricate interplay and strong thematic unity, making it a notable entry in his discography.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a short introductory track, 'Prologue', that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into more complex pieces.
  • The final track, 'Epilogue', mirrors the opening, creating a sense of closure and thematic unity across the album.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • steady pacing with gradual resolution
  • intimate moments for reflective listening
  • ethereal melodies for quiet evenings
  • immersive experience through intricate harmonies

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • seek standalone, catchy songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — The album is a significant tribute showcasing McLaughlin's artistic depth and sophistication.
Career context
By 1993, John McLaughlin was an established figure in the jazz fusion scene, known for his groundbreaking work with Mahavishnu Orchestra. 'Time Remembered' came as a reflective homage to pianist Bill Evans, following McLaughlin's exploration of diverse musical styles throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, showcasing his adaptability and reverence for jazz traditions.
Stylistic neighbors
Mahavishnu Orchestra· Al Di Meola· Chick Corea

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Prologue 2:14
  • 2 Very Early 4:20
  • 3 Only Child 5:06
  • 4 Waltz for Debby 4:55
  • 5 Homage 2:17
  • 6 My Bells 3:22
  • 7 Time Remembered 3:59
  • 8 Song for Helen 1:54
  • 9 Turn Out the Stars 6:25
  • 10 We Will Meet Again 4:20
  • 11 Epilogue 1:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata