Bill Evans
Bill Evans
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 16, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Evans passed away on September 15, 1980, at the age of 51 due to complications from a head injury sustained in a car accident two days earlier.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Jazz pianist, composer
Early Life and Background
Bill Evans was born into a musical family. His mother, Selma Thoresen, was a violinist who played with the New York Philharmonic, while his father, Lyle Evans, was a lawyer and music lover. Growing up in New Jersey, Evans began taking piano lessons at the age of six and showed an early affinity for classical music.
As he grew older, Evans's interests shifted towards jazz. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where he studied music theory and composition, but dropped out to pursue a career in jazz. During World War II, Evans served in the United States Navy, where he formed a musical group that played for fellow sailors.
Major Accomplishments
Evans's breakthrough as a pianist came in 1955 when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet alongside John Coltrane and Jimmy Cobb. This iconic ensemble is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz groups of all time, known for their innovative and expressive playing style.
In 1961, Evans formed his own trio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. This group is often credited with revolutionizing the art of piano trio playing, introducing new harmonic and rhythmic possibilities that have had a lasting impact on jazz music.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Evans's most notable works include:
"Peace Piece," a solo piano piece characterized by its haunting beauty and introspective mood.
"Waltz for Debby," a beautiful waltz that showcases Evans's ability to craft memorable melodies.
Evans was also known for his work as a composer, writing music for both jazz ensembles and classical orchestras. His compositions often featured complex harmonies and innovative rhythms, showcasing his unique perspective on musical form and structure.
Impact and Legacy
Bill Evans's influence on modern jazz cannot be overstated. His innovative playing style, which emphasized simplicity and expressiveness over technical virtuosity, has inspired countless musicians to re-examine their approach to the piano.
Evans's legacy extends beyond the world of music as well. He was known for his introspective and philosophical nature, often speaking candidly about the emotional and spiritual aspects of music-making. His interviews and lectures offer a unique glimpse into the creative process and the role that art can play in shaping our understanding of the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Evans's quotes are widely quoted because they offer a glimpse into his thoughtful and introspective nature. He was known for his ability to articulate complex emotions and ideas, often using simple yet powerful language to convey profound insights about music and life.
Evans's legacy as a musician is also closely tied to his personal story. His struggles with addiction and mental health, as well as his eventual decline into depression and illness, serve as a reminder of the high costs of creative genius and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Overall, Bill Evans remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in jazz history, remembered for his innovative playing style, his thoughtful approach to music-making, and his enduring impact on the world of jazz.
Quotes by Bill Evans
The lesson of The Odd Couple is that there are still genuine Broadway stars. And it was an opportunity for those who might have missed (Lane and Broderick) in The Producers , which has also been great for Broadway.
The index is now giving us considerable comfort that economic growth by late 2005 and into 2006 can pick up to long-term trend or even a little better.
Their non-conference schedule (was) equal to ours. The majority of people at our level, you can throw out the first 10 or 12 games. It's a little unrealistic.
The key factor that probably constrained confidence was the 4 per cent jump in petrol prices in the last week before the survey.
He's like a blur. He controls the tempo of the game and makes plays for his teammates.
Be careful what you wish for. I think they're a very good team. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they won the whole thing. I think there are some really good teams standing in their way, and I hope we're one of them.
I think my guys did a good job defending. We shot the ball, we shared the ball (and)I don't think we were selfish.
I'm just glad to be home next week. I'm not going to guarantee a win because that would be silly, but it will just be nice to have all those things that home brings.
Anytime you play schools from higher leagues, they're preparing us for our league. We've played some really good teams. I would like to play those teams at home sometimes for my own feelings that if we could do that, we could be competitive with them. Playing at home and not having to travel is a plus.
I want to play as good as I can, not necessarily as different. I am not interested in consciously changing the essence of my music. I would rather have it reveal itself progressively as I play. Ultimately, what counts is its essential quality, anyway, and differences vanish in a short time.