Music Notes.com Features Music of Bill Evans

  Arguably the most influential jazz-oriented pianist, Bill Evans has become an entire school unto himself for pianists and a singular mood unto himself for listeners. Borrowing heavily from the impressionism of Debussy and Ravel, Evans brought a new, introverted, relaxed, lyrical, European classical sensibility into jazz -- and that seems to have attracted a lot of young conservatory-trained pianists who follow his chord voicings to the letter in clubs and on stages everywhere.

In interviews, Evans often stressed that pianists should thoroughly learn technique and harmony so that they can put their inspiration to maximum use. Since he already had those tools in hand, he worked very hard on his touch, getting the special, refined tone that he wanted out of a piano. He also tried to democratize the role of the bassist and drummer in his succession of piano trios, encouraging greater contrapuntal interplay.

Nowadays, Evans seems to be immune from criticism, but there was a time when he was accused of not being able to swing, or pilloried for an "effete" approach to jazz that was alien to its African sources. However, there are plenty of Evans recordings which show that he could indeed flash the technique and swing as hard as anyone when he wanted to, especially early in his career. He simply chose a different path for himself, one entirely reflective of his inward personality -- and that's what seems to touch listeners inside and outside jazz the most.



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Bill Evans Digital Sheet Music:
Alfie
Alice in Wonderland
Autumn Leaves
Come Rain or Come Shine
Emily
How Deep is the Ocean ...
I Should Care
I Will Say Goodbye
If You Could See Me Now
In a Sentimental Mood
Israel
It Might As Well Be Spring
My Foolish Heart
My Romance
Nardis
Never Let Me Go
On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)
One for Helen
Only Child
Orbit
Seascape
A Sleepin' Bee
The Summer Knows
A Time for Love
Time Remembered
Turn Out the Stars
Waltz for Debby
What Is This Thing Called Love?
With a Song in My Heart
Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
You Must Believe in Spring


Featured Bill Evans Music Books:
Order traditional printed sheet music books for Bill Evans and have them delivered to your door.

Piano Interpretations	The 70's	The Bill Evans Collection
The Bill Evans Trio 1959-1961	The Bill Evans Trio 1962-1965	The Bill Evans Trio 1968-1974
The Bill Evans Trio 1979-1980	The Harmony of Bill Evans	Aebersold Volume 45: Bill Evans

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