Bill Evans, born William John Evans on August 16, 1929, and passing on September 15, 1980, was an American jazz pianist and composer who left an indelible mark on the genre with his lyrical style and his use of harmony. A key figure in the development of modern jazz piano, Evans' work was known for its depth, innovation, and influence on generations of pianists.

His career started to gain significant traction in the late 1950s when he joined the Miles Davis Sextet, notably contributing to the seminal album "Kind of Blue," widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz records ever made. Bill Evans soon established himself as a prominent leader with the Bill Evans Trio, which saw several lineup changes over the years but remained a platform for his evocative and introspective playing style. Characterized by his intricate chord voicings, impressionistic harmony, and a nuanced touch, Evans' music was both complex and accessible, emotional and intellectual. His discography includes classics like "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" and "Waltz for Debby," and his posthumously-released recordings such as the 2022 remaster of “You Must Believe In Spring” and the intimate live performances captured in "Evans in England" attest to the enduring appeal of his exquisite approach to the piano. Despite his untimely death at the age of 51, Bill Evans remains a towering figure in jazz, continually rediscovered by new listeners and revered by musicians for his innovative approach to the craft.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Cool Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Piano

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Herbie Hancock

Oscar Peterson

Keith Jarrett

Chick Corea

Miles Davis

John Coltrane

Brad Mehldau

Scott LaFaro

André Previn

Chet Baker

Stan Getz

Dave Brubeck

Latest Release

Evans on Evans

Bill Evans

Album - 9 Tracks - Released October 24, 2024