Bill Evans

Bill Evans, born on August 16, 1929 (80 years ago today) was an one of America’s most influential jazz pianists. His inventive interpretation of traditional jazz influenced and inspired a generation of pianists and jazz musicians. He worked with several jazz artists, including Charles Mingus, and most notably with Miles Davis. He was with Miles’ sextet for less than a year, but returned to the band in 1959 to work on the jazz masterpiece Kind of Blue.

Later that year, Evans formed a trio, which included bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, and recorded four albums: 1959’s Portrait in Jazz, and Explorations, Sunday at the Village Vanguard, and Waltz for Debby, which were all recorded in 1961.

Below are some of Bill Evans’ performances: