Bill Evans

Bill Evans (August 16, 1929 – September 15, 1980) was one of the most famous jazz pianists of the 20th century, and along with McCoy Tyner and Oscar Peterson was the force behind the biggest shift in the jazz paradigm since Art Tatum and Bud Powell. His use of impressionistic harmony, his inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire and his syncopated and polyrhythmic melodic lines influenced a generation of pianists, including Herbie Hancock, Denny Zeitlin, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, and his work continues to inspire younger pianists such as Fred Hersch, Bill Charlap, Lyle Mays and Brad Mehldau, as well as other musicians such as guitarist John McLaughlin.

1960s

In the early 1960s, Evans led a trio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. This group has since become one of the most acclaimed piano trios of all time. With this group, Evans's focus settled on traditional jazz standards and original compositions, with an added emphasis on interplay among the band members that often bordered on collective improvisation. The collaboration between Evans and the talented young bassist LaFaro was particularly fruitful, with the two achieving an unprecedented level of musical empathy. The trio recorded four albums: Portrait in Jazz, Explorations, Waltz for Debby, and Sunday at the Village Vanguard. LaFaro's untimely death at age twenty-five in a car accident in 1961 left Evans devastated, and he did not record or perform in public again for several months. In 1963, he recorded "Conversations With Myself", overdubbing his piano three times, which won him his first Grammy award.

Related Topics:
1960s - Scott LaFaro - Paul Motian - Portrait in Jazz - Explorations - Sunday at the Village Vanguard

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bassist Chuck Israels succeeded LaFaro in the trio, but it was not until 1966, when Evans discovered 21-year-old bassist Eddie Gomez, that he found a worthy contributor to his original trio concept. Gomez's exuberance was contagious, revitalizing and inspiring Evans to new heights.

Related Topics:
1966 - Eddie Gomez

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~