I did my thesis on Bill's music. Late 70's. Then I caught him live at a local club, went back to his dressing room on the break, told him and he was flattered. He and Marc Johnson were eating pizza. Very casual, no pretense. A few years later he died suddenly at 51 and I still know where I was when I heard the news. The world is a more beautiful place because of Bill Evans. Like so many artists, he suffered greatly. But also like with many artists, great beauty grew from the pain. And the beauty remains.
Thanks for this story, what an unbelievable man, who sadly was taken away too soon in part because of addiction. I think this performance is the best of jazz piano solo, along with his version of Danny Boy.
The Christian philospher Soren Kierkegaard once said, "A poet is an unhappy being whose heart is torn by secret sufferings, but whose lips are so strangely formed that when the sighs and cries escape them, they sound like beautiful music." Bill Evans was a poet in this sense.
Here’s a story for you. Back in February 1969, my brother at college wrote a letter to me letting me know about his new album, Bill Evans Trio. He said “you really need to listen to it. I think you’ll love it.” Well, I just found that letter and realized that I had never checked out Bill Evans. Snd so today 7/28/23, I RU-vid him and realized that my brother was right. And now, in my latter years, I can enjoy the works of a master musician… He is definitely in the company of greatness!
Bill's playing is like a poet with a huge vocabulary, a gift for eloquence and an empathy for the deep yearnings within our souls. Maybe that's why people describe his playing as being so lyrical, except that his music describes that which words will never do.
So well-said...I discovered his 'Waltz For Debbie' years ago glued to every note/phrase/his genius touch, chord options, soft runs, gentle bass...just magical.
@@abs117a One of the prettiest songs ever composed, Waltz for Debbie. Bill Evans was a true genius. He never lost the understanding that jazz music is supposed to be advanced but always pretty.
Well most eloquently put... Never thought to express of such emotion as " an empathy for the deep yearning within our souls" in words. He is a beautiful soul indeed.
Evans didn't think of himself as a genius, but as someone who worked very hard over many years to get to the point where the subconscious mind could take over while playing.
True. And he reached that. But the music his mind generated is often so incomprehensibly beautiful it is proof of his genius. He was modest. A modest genius.
Credo che forse abbia trovato con il pianoforte il modo di far uscire il mostro nero che gli divorava l’anima. Un modo diverso per raccontare un se intimo e privato. A questo serve poter suonare uno strumento, a dire ciò di cui non si è capaci a parlare
Bill did a master class at Eastman School when I was there, circa 1974. He held up his hands, and apologized that he couldn't play for us. His fingers were swollen like hot dog weenies, and his fingers could not fit in between the black keys. Only later did we find out he was on methadone, trying to kick the heroin habit he had developed with Philly Jo Jones. He was doing the master class with Phil Woods. They both agreed there was no such thing as a b13 chord (which is everywhere today, lol) Phil said "it's a #5, man, or sometimes a b6!" I've always remembered that. I saw Bill many times, but most poignantly I saw him at Rick's Cafe Américain in Chicago in August 1980, 3 weeks before his death. I, too went backstage to talk to him about how much we studied his music at Eastman, and he was very happy about that. He is in a small handful of consummate jazz artists I admire, and I agree he didn't die because he lives forever in his music.
Thanks for the tidbit (from Bill and Phil Woods) about no such thing as a flat 13 (it's often a #5). One of my pet peeves. Although there are certain instances where the progression makes it clear that it's really a flat 13 because it follows a normal 13 and resolves lower (numerous examples in Jobim bossas, etc.). For me a flat 13 is just unnecessarily hard to think about unless the progression explicitly calls for it. Bass players of course are affected by this distinction as well: they could justufy playing a natural 5th under a flat 13 chord while it would clearly be a poor choice under a G7 #5 chord for example ...
Many years ago, I played a dozen albums by the greatest jazz pianists of all time for a friend who was a top classical player. He knew next to nothing about jazz, but was willing to listen. I gave him everyone from Erroll Garner, to Dave Brubeck, to Oscar Peterson. But of all those albums, he only commented on TWO. The first was Art Tatum, who, "blew him away." But when I asked him about Bill Evans, he thought for a moment, then said this: "THIS guy was so far ahead of all the rest, like someone from a different planet. I cannot easily explain it." He didn't realize that he just did.
@@TaureanCancer +Steven Gregory Can't remember the titles, just the artists. 1) Art Tatum. 2) Dave Brubeck. 3) Errol Gardner. 4) Keith Jarrett. 5) Herbie Hancock. 6) Thelonius Monk. 7) George Shearing. 8) Oscar Peterson. 9) Bill Evans. 10) McCoy Tyner. Another interesting memory... My friend was a fantastic classical player, but he couldn't even play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" by ear. He was that chained to the printed page (classical players don't improvise). But he loved Bill Evans so much, that he paid a music transposer to actually put "Waltz for Debby" on sheet music, note for note. If cost him a fortune, but he finally had something he could actually play:) One of my greatest joys was to turn him on to jazz music until the day he died.
@@TubeTorte Don't be. It's so difficult being a great classical pianist, it leaves very little time to concentrate on anything else. The field is so intensely competitive that they only have time to practice, not hit the Blue Note for a few drinks. On that subject, it's interesting to note that both Bill Evans AND Oscar Peterson were destined for careers in classical music, before discovering jazz... and aren't we lucky.
I listen to him nonstop in these days of forced national quarantine. Music and longing and fear and patience in the times of coronavirus. Like someone in love with life. Take care, all of you.
The first chords just touch my inner child full of innocence. I was in love for the first time and we heard this together. Now shes gone, but the feeling is imbedded in this sound.
I want to mention an observation that came here after listening to Bill Evans for a few years now. He is by far one of the few select musicians that leaves the impression of his songs ending at the right time. Never do I get the feeling that they end too soon or run on too long. For me that is perfection. Never overstating because it's not necessary. Obviously it's a testament to the composer providing good bones but with jazz it's too easy to get carried away. Much like my comment here...haha
" . . .that leaves the impression of his songs ending at the right time. Never do I get the feeling that they end too soon or run on too long. For me that is perfection. Never overstating . . . " Spot on correct Hillmeyer. Your observation is not overstating either.
I'm in this "crazy" relationship, as I would love to describe, he is a very honest man, so hyped all the time, a little bit too crazy, never hesitates to do anything, so full with ideas and art. I met him on a vacation I was on, because I am leaving the country soon, so he is, we instantly clicked, ever since the first moment our eyes met. As he said he is planning to marry me, and he seems serious about it, I don't know why, but I always laugh when he says that, I guess I'm just used to that kind of promises at this point, and before we met, I realized that I can love a person too much, without being so sad they left, I realized that everyone is going to leave at some point, and because of too many reasons. Now, my boyfriend, and my uncle, are outside on the balcony, on a very beautiful starry night in December, and I am inside, listening to this piece, questioning if I and that guy ended up spending our lives together, how it will be like, and knowing that, I love him too much, and I don't really know if he really feels the same.
I fell in love with Bill Evans when I was 8 years old. Even as a child I knew there was something special about him. Something deep that I didn't yet understand, but grew to understand as I matured.
Bill discovered that sweet spot between the intellect and the heart, the aesthetic and the soul. I think about his music everyday and have for about 25 years now.
The world may perish as it will; All the hatred, fear, destruction. I will forever listen to Bill Evans once in a while to reassure myself... My mind shall stay pure. Surround yourself with things you wish to experience.
yes, Unai C. and that's exactly what I feel about every and any piece played by Keith Jarrett. not making comparisons, though. what I mean is the devoted, loving treatment they both give the piano is so visible, so touching that it's impossible not to feel it, not to get moved by it. tears fill up my eyes as I think about that. so much love... it's beautiful and infectious. btw, I'm talking here about my two fave masters. I love Bill and I'm eternally in love with Keith. my soul belongs to Keith Jarrett.
We’re just in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and I like a lot of people are feeling rather low but just listening to Bills piano soothes the soul and gives me hope that we can get through it. His playing is so beautiful and ethereal. He’s just the best.
There was never a time his music didn't lift me. If I was down, his music lifted me. If I was on top of the world, his music lifted me even higher. A talent, a gift, a treasure for the ages.
For the pianist I've idolized for over 50 years as a musician, I've always loved what Miles used to say about Bill--"Bill Evans plays with this quiet fire!" I was fortunate to have had three encounters one-on-one with Bill.The 2nd--and most meaningful to me-- was when Bill appeared in L.A. with Chuck Israels and Paul Motian. I spent 3 hours with Bill in his motel north of the Capitol Records Bldg. I learned a great deal about Bill that day. We talked about music, of course, but also philosophy, even sports! Bill let me copy chord changes to some of the songs he performed. Most interesting to me was these changes were written on matchbook covers, napkins and menus! I saw no "book"! My experiences with Bill will always be close to my heart, and as a pianist-composer of 50+ years, Bill remains the biggest influence of my musical life.
772 dislikes?? Really?? Who would ever come here, listen to this wonder and put a dislike??? It was always a mystery to me why people would bother... pity for them.
it's his technique that's really interesting. he is refining his classical technique in the jazz idiom and that's why it sounds it so unique -- he wasn't a 'pure' jazz pianist. he had a more rich flow to his playing set by the all the subtleties in his technique from learning classical piano.
As a fan of classical music I find Bill Evans a good transition for me to enjoy Jazz music and develop an interest in hearing more Jazz, thanks you for this incredible music.
Listening to Bill Evans for the first time and it’s soothing me in this depressed mental state. Things, in time, will improve and I will remain hopeful. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Sending love from Chicago
This song goes deep in one's soul.......such sweetness, curiosity to the mysteries of life....contemplating, reflecting: what is.....what makes us feel alive!! Listening to this gives that daily uplifment & looking ahead within life's unknown and embracing it ✨️ 🤲🏽🤗💖
It’s so easy to make happy songs. Being fake happy is second nature we are all great actors when it comes to that. But making heart wrenching sad songs that can be so painstaking and undeniably true yet beautiful isn’t easy. Bill just lets it all hang on this one I love it
I don't think I've found an artist as consistently touching as Bill Evans seems to be. I'm new to jazz so I think a lot more remains to be seen but I couldn't have asked for a better place to start!
at this point I believe you've checked out Keith Jarrett, Daniel Mancillas? I suppose so, I hope so. Keith is such a god! Keith, Bill, Jamal: my three all time faves. Keith has gorgeous works in classical as well, both as a composer and a performer. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-itBfg-DADAc.html open.spotify.com/track/0o3F3xeNJRBnorMkvatLy5?si=EO9P5c5hQu2-sYE7w7sJtA and here the most celebrated Köln, wonderful piano improvisational concert: open.spotify.com/track/0f18qaZPd4UdIsryK37vjx
This is from Bill's solo CONCEPTIONS double LP, recorded in NYC in April 1962. Same time he recorded Danny Boy. He was really just 'getting back' from his mourning-recovery period after Scott LaFaro's tragic death the previous Summer.
This music takes me back to the days when music was soulful….soul talk…when we were prosperous, could dream… freedom, meaningfulness, sadness, when you could feel the essence of the spirit translating through the ivories and into our spirit and hearts. I miss the old days when I thought anything was possible, while I grieve the loss of my family. God bless you all in 2021. I’m sad about everything.
Bill Evans is my favorite jazz pianist. He made a mark in jazz history and should be respected. Also, the delicate touch gives me an indescribable impression. The romantic Bill Evans!
There are times when I want to escape Tatum's arpeggios and Oscars oscillations. Want to move past Powell's pulsations and Dizzy's Big Bang Bebop. Times when I want to hear a music that's as beautiful, quiet, and intimate as a flower moving toward its bloom. Time for Evans. He fits the bill. And hear he gives a stalwart performance of a stalwart standard. A match made in heaven. Brilliant.
Don't forget that evans can swing hard and play bop too! He is also really interesting on pieces requiring strenght and energy. Minority (Everybody digs) , Walking up (Montreux) , Nardis, on "the blues and the abstract truth" for instance etc ... People easily forget this point. Bill is obviously a poet but not only based on emotions, to my mind it would be too reductive to describe the man.
I am reacting to one performance of one song by Bill Evans. I'm not generalizing. I am making no reductive assessment at all. I'm not attempting to deal with his overall oeuvre. He has many moods. I've heard some blues recordings by Bill that are completely different from what he's doing in his more lyrical work. Think a little deeper and I think you'll find you and I agree.
My dear Bill, I know you're just a far soul in the deepest elysium... But I'd really desire to ask you... Did you steal the awe from heaven so that you were able to paint this music with such a perfect blossoming of colors and tones? No... Don't mind Bill... I know you probably don't even know how all this mood was flowing from you magic.. But I am sure that all the mankind should just say four single easy words: Forever Thank you Bill...
@@sitarnut I'm glad to read that, because that's something I felt I had read a long time ago in an essay on Gould or Evans, but since I couldn't find the source again, at some point I started thinking I invented it. It is true that after many years of listening to hundreds of pianists, both classical and jazz, very few manage to get such a "deep", rounded, totally unabrasive tone from the piano. It has mostly to do with posture and arm weight into the keyboard. But you would think that most classical virtuosos, working 3-6 hours daily on their instrument since childhood, would have caught the trick. Well, not so much as it turns out. In the classical world, if one pianist with a similar tone quality comes to my mind, that would be Dinu Lipatti.
Wow...what a gifted artist. I love the song...reflective,passionate,sensitive....'like someone in love'. Wonder who he was thinking of when he wrote it. Thank you for sharing.
I just did a film on Bill Evans, and the power of his music, the depth and the beauty is still there.. its timeless just as this great "like Someone in Love" is. thanks so much Bill, for making this music and making our lives so much richer.
Here www.google.fr/search?safe=strict&sa=X&q=bill+evans/time+remembered&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgFuLVT9c3NEw2sUhKTqssVELlaollJ1vpp2Xm5IIJq-LMlNTyxMpiAGEqlCY4AAAA&ved=0ahUKEwjXuaeMyYTaAhXCcRQKHY4bCM0QMQi3ASgAMBM&biw=1280&bih=662
Bruce Spiegel, that was your film? Wow - I saw that film twice; once with another jazz/classical piano teacher and a second time with my husband. Wonderfully done; it captured him so beautifully. I was both heartbroken and mesmerized. A powerful film. Because of this film, I now know more about this amazing musician who played so deeply from the heart and who is my favorite jazz pianist. Thank you for making it!
Whoa yeah that film was my favorite treasure lately about Bill Evans. Thank you so much! You care so much too! So wonderful to have this community of caring people all from listening to Bill Evans. I should start a Bill Evans appreciation meetup at a coffee shop in my area and see who comes =)
I don't know how many times I stopped to listen to this true impeccable genius who wrote a jazz age, a legend that will never die. His style, his music will remain written forever in the history of true music.
With the chops this guy has, and to play with this much taste and class on such a beautiful song, displays greatness in every aspect. Evans was a great one. Beautiful recording. I like that the tape hiss hasn't been all removed and the track occasionally distorts.
imho, among jazz pianists, Bill Evans is more "intentional" (he comes closer to conscious intent behind every note that he plays) and less "guarded" (both emotionally and spiritually) than any pianist I have ever listened to (which is a bunch of them)
Bill Evans is one of the most excellent piano jazz player. I could even listen to Bill for ten consecutive lifetimes and never grow tired. A master player who's skills whether technically, musically or lyrically by far exceeds both time and most other players. I'd be a happy camper with less than one third of his brilliance.
Bill Evans was a genius. There are many in the world of jazz. But his sensitivity in playing ballads is unsurpassed. Ben Webster said, 'Anyone can play hip-shaking music. Takes soul to play a ballad'. Like many tragic players he died too young. But listening to this and My Foolish Heart. It just stops you. Llucky we still have his music....
So amazing, so lyrical, so sensitive: that is Bill Evan at his very best!! Celestial jazz improvisations with french impressionist undercurrents..... Just bewitching and magic!
Beautiful and elegant, as always. Genius. One of my teachers at Berklee was indignant that John Lennon was mourned at the time of his death, and said 'What about Bill Evans?!!" He had a point.
@@giovanna722 That's the only reason I knew Lennon had died... newspapers from 9 years before I was born. I've read up to 1999 and seriously worried about the Millenium Bug that's gonna break all computers... hope we survive it! No spoilers please, thanks guys x
He holds notes like he is thinking through the music, having us join in with his travel, his feelings, such is life with delays. Bill, Teach us how to feel this, to feel life, love and all!
This is one of those recordings (Sinatra' s Witchcraft and Hartman 's Lushlife with the Coltrane Quartet also come to mind. ) that make me just stop what I'm doing because it simply envelops me.
such a plain name, yet such an exquisite artist of all artists. the ways he finds to burrow into your heart with the whimsical melody navigating the wobbly sea of modes and modulations, you can't help but smile and realize you're in the presence of a true master.
I can recall thinking just that, numerous times, despite the destructive nature of mankind there is an opposition that can result in something like this.
One of my favorite songs ever!! Bill was a genius he found the perfect balance between instrument knowledge and soul and you can hear it in the way he delivered each piece. Truly a maestro
THE most Gifted Pianist of our generation....He plays piano like it is a full orchestra + Dynamics...Miles Davis Knew...He was just getting by + Miles Davis sent him over the top in such Emotion + feelings from just a piano...My Favorite musician...Despite his Heroin Addiction/His Recordings will be IMMORTAL...My Favorite Musician
