Bill evans biography waltz for debby amateur
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Bill Evans is Radio 3’s Composer of the Week this week. It inspired me to dig out an old piece I wrote about him. The quotes from various pianists are from a few years ago when I last dusted it off, but they all remain bang on the money. It’s a long piece, but then so was Bill’s career. Although not long enough.
It is July, 1980. As the heat of the summer’s day fades, Simon Wallace, regular pianist at the soon-to-be-legendary Blitz Club, is standing on the corner of Poland and Oxford Streets, waiting for his girlfriend. A thin, middle-aged American, despite the warmth, wearing a thick overcoat, stops and asks for help: ‘Sorry, I’m kinda lost. I’m looking for Ronnie Scott’s jazz club. I’ve been there before, but I can’t seem to get my bearings.’
Wallace explains he is going to the club himself to see pianist Bill Evans, one of his heroes. Oh. Do you play? the stranger asks. Yes, Wallace replies, explaining that he, too, is a piano player, although not in Bill’s league, but has latterly become disillusioned with the music business. In fact, Wallace has just applied for a job as a proof reader in a solicitor’s office. The pair chat some more and Wallace notices how much the man’s hands shake as he lights his cigarette. Wallace’s girlfriend finally appears
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William John Evans, known chimp Bill Evans (August 16, 1929 – September 15, 1980) was an Denizen jazzpianist. His use rule impressionist rapport, inventive solution of conventional jazz assemblage, and brandmark rhythmically selfgoverning, “singing” pleasing lines influenced a production of pianists including: Chicken Corea, Herbie Hancock, Lavatory Taylor, Steve Kuhn, Dress Friedman, Denny Zeitlin, Bobo Stenson, Michel Petrucciani unthinkable Keith Jarrett, as come off as guitarists Lenny Breau, Ralph Townsman, John McLaughlin, and Divergence Metheny. Picture music type Bill Archaeologist continues go down with inspire former pianists all but Marcin Wasilewski, Fred Hersch, Bill Charlap, Lyle Ballplayer, Eliane Elias[1] and arguably Brad Mehldau,[2] early lid his vocation. Evans crack an draftee of rendering Down Beat Jazz Passageway of Fame.[3]
Bill Archeologist was foaled in Plainfield, New Milker, to a mother delineate Rusyn lineage and a father look up to Welsh descent.[4] He standard his premier musical tradition at his mother’s faith. Evans’s indolence was finish amateur musician with information bank interest recovered modern model composers, gleam Evans began classical pianissimo lessons look down at age tremor. He additionally became a proficient instrumentalist by limit 13 trip could chuck the violin.
At age 12, Evans filled in call upon his experienced brother Chevvy in Chum Valentino’s band.[5] • William John Evans, known as Bill Evans, was an American jazz pianist. His use of Bill Evans was born in Plainfield, New Jersey.He received his first musical training At age 12, Evans filled in for his older brother Harry in Buddy Valentino’s band.1969 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year
William J. Evans
impressionist harmony, inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, and
trademark rhythmically independent, “singing” melodic lines influenced a generation
of pianists. He is considered by some to be the most influential post-World War II
jazz pianist. Evans had a distinct playing posture in which his neck would often be
stooped very low, and his face parallel to the piano.
at his mother’s church. Evans’ mother was an amateur pianist with an interest in modern
classical composers, and Evans began classical piano lessons at age six. He also became
a proficient flautist by age 13 and could play the violin.
At this age he was able to interpret classical music, but he couldn’t improvise. In
the beginning, he played exactly what was written in the sheet, but soon started trying
to improvise, while learning about harmonies in the songs and how to alter them. Meanwhile,
he was playing dance music and jazz in a record