On September 15, 1980, one of the leading innovators of jazz, the American Bill Evans, passed away. Besides being an extraordinary pianist, he was also an unparalleled composer.
How many times have we delighted in his art, simply by listening to him, focusing our attention on his playing, enjoying a good drink, or having him accompany us while we read, or even cook!
Bill Evans is often called the poet of the piano, a term that reflects a certain musical impressionism (influenced by European masters such as Debussy and Ravel) and the free modulations in his improvisations.
According to experts (I'm not a music theorist, just an appreciator), Bill Evans spearheaded the birth of cool jazz, an expression that offered freer harmonic structures than its predecessor, bebop, thus broadening the prospects for the future development of jazz.
Furthermore, one of his main contributions is considered to be the introduction of the trio of musicians with three fundamental instruments: piano, double bass, and drums, a model that defined his performance for almost his entire musical career. His work with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian is essential.
His style or aesthetic is characterized by great sensitivity and an inner vision, with great serenity and subtlety.
He collaborated and worked with renowned musicians such as Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, and Michel Legrand, among many others. His influence extends across a wide musical spectrum, including Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and many more.
He received numerous accolades, perhaps the first being the "Best Newcomer Pianist" award in 1958. He later received other awards, including a Grammy.
He died at the age of 51 from internal bleeding related to his drug addiction.
Below are three important pieces from his repertoire.
“Waltz For Debby”
“Steamin” con Miles Davis
“Alice in Wonderland”
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Evans https://web.archive.org/web/20160416054056/http://www.ronda.net/rondajazz/protagonistas/Bill_Evans/indice_evans.htm
