Bill Evans

When pianist Bill Evans joined Miles Davis’ band he had already paid his dues, including a stint with composer/leader George Russell. Evans, sensitive and intense like his playing, joined the trumpeter at a key time: they were working on the modal jazz that would produce the classic Kind Of Blue.

After leaving Miles, Bill Evans mostly worked in the trio setting, his most lauded being the early one with virtuoso bass player Scott La Faro and drummer Paul Motion. The playing of Bill Evans is deeply romantic but never saccharine; his technique is exquisite, with a deep melodic sense. As Miles Davis said, “Bill had this quiet fire that I loved”.

Evans died at 51, after struggling with addictions for many years. Portrait In Jazz (1960) is a masterpiece, as is Waltz For Debbie (1962). Many later recordings are excellent too, an example being You Must Believe in Spring (1981).