Bill Evans rarely accompanied singers. He didn't consider it one of his accomplishments. An expert on accompanists, Tony Bennett's flawless ear told him that Evans's sensitivity, touch, and deep harmonic wisdom would make him a perfect collaborator. In such circumstances, with no orchestra for cover and no rhythm section for buoyancy, a singer's control, intonation, and steadiness are in bold relief. None of Bennett's recordings discloses more clearly his mastery of those elements. Evans, whose singing piano lines were inevitably described as lyrical, illuminates Bennett's supreme interpretation of lyrics. His own solos 'sing' beautifully.
