Etudes

In Etudes, bassist Ron Carter assembles an intimate yet exploratory quartet, featuring the velvet-toned Art Farmer on flugelhorn, the always imaginative Tony Williams on drums, and Bill Evans. (Important clarification: this is not the more famous Bill Evans, but Bill Evans the saxophonist, known for his work with Miles Davis and beyond.) This 1982 recording is often overlooked in Carter’s discography, but it offers a deeply rewarding listen for fans of modern post-bop jazz.

The album feels like a series of musical sketches—hence the title—where each player contributes distinctive colors. Carter’s bass work is, as always, melodic and forward in the mix, shaping the harmonic narrative with authority. Tony Williams' drumming, as expected, balances restless energy with masterful control, giving each track its rhythmic backbone without overwhelming the other players.

Bill Evans (the saxophonist) brings a fusion edge to the album, his tone sometimes bright and sharp, sometimes introspective, giving the quartet a refreshing tonal contrast. It’s not hard to imagine the album being more subdued with a different horn player, but Evans’ modernist phrasing keeps the session lively and unpredictable.

Etudes is not a flashy or easily digestible album—it’s subtle, textural, and often requires multiple listens to unpack. But for listeners who appreciate nuanced interplay and the craftsmanship of seasoned players at ease with each other, it’s a hidden gem in the early '80s jazz catalog.