Another Evans original, “The Two Lonely People,” is a heartbreaker featuring a couple sitting beside each other yet very far apart emotionally, the reverse sentiment of “You’re Nearer.” “You Don’t Know What Love Is” until you’ve lost it, echoing Tennyson’s famous quote.
However, they don’t dwell on the heartache long. The narrator casts his hopes “Love will come again” looking toward “Maybe September,” and if not then, “You Must Believe in Spring.” The latter is the longest track of the set and allows Evans the most time to stretch out, which is always a good thing.
Disc One concludes with the bonus tracks. “Who Can I Turn To?” from The Roar Of the Greasepaint - The Smell Of the Crowd, which became a Broadway hit after Bennett first recorded the song. Bennett really gives it a big finish. At the conclusion of “Dream Dancing,” you can hear the men laugh at the joy of their accomplishment, and rightly so.
Disc Two presents alternate takes from the two sessions and runs almost as long as the two albums combined. There are five from the first and 15 from the second. You can hear changes in the alternate takes, some subtle and some pronounced. Would have liked to have known the reasoning behind what they were both looking for or weren’t satisfied with, especially on “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” where they did at least 18 takes.
Much like a brief love affair, The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings makes you sorry there wasn’t more, but so glad to have gotten what you did.
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