{"title":"Bill Evans","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout Bill Evans\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWilliam John Evans was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on August 16, 1929. After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana College, he moved to New York and worked with George Russell, Tony Scott, and others. He joined Miles Davis's sextet in 1958 and was a central voice on Kind of Blue (1959), one of the most influential jazz albums ever recorded. He formed his first major trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian in 1959; LaFaro's death in a car accident in 1961 ended that trio. Evans continued leading trios until his death in New York on September 15, 1980, from health complications related to long-term drug addiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSound and style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvans's playing was characterized by lyrical, harmonically sophisticated approach to jazz piano, drawing on impressionist classical influences (Debussy, Ravel) alongside jazz traditions. His first trio with LaFaro and Motian developed an unprecedented level of interactive group improvisation, with bass and drums functioning as equal melodic voices rather than purely supporting roles. His work fundamentally reshaped jazz piano playing and trio formats for subsequent generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiscography highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEverybody Digs Bill Evans (1958, Riverside)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortrait in Jazz (1960, Riverside) - with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunday at the Village Vanguard (1961, Riverside) - first LaFaro trio live\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaltz for Debby (1961, Riverside)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConversations with Myself (1963, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBill Evans at Town Hall (1966, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlone (1968, Verve)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Tokyo Concert (1973, Fantasy)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAffinity (1979, Warner Bros.) - with Toots Thielemans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Paris Concert: Edition One (1983, posthumous, Elektra\/Musician)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor collectors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginal Riverside and Verve pressings of the Bill Evans catalog are foundational items in jazz collecting. Multiple reissue programs (Original Jazz Classics, Verve By Request, Tone Poet) have issued audiophile editions of the catalog. The Sunday at the Village Vanguard \/ Waltz for Debby sessions have been issued in complete versions and box sets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListeners new to Bill Evans typically start with Waltz for Debby (1961) or Sunday at the Village Vanguard (1961). Portrait in Jazz (1960) is a common second entry point. \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/jazz-vinyl-records\"\u003eJazz\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bill-evans-everybody-digs-bill-evans-vinyl-180g","title":"Everybody Digs Bill Evans LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eEverybody Digs Bill Evans is an album by jazz musician Bill Evans. It was released in early 1959 on the Riverside label. Everybody Digs Bill Evans was Evans's second album, done two years after his first record as a leader. Though his producer (Orrin Keepnews) had wanted Evans to record a follow-up album to his debut sooner, the self-critical Evans felt he had \"nothing new to say\" before this album. The recording captures Evans at a time when he frequently played extended musical ideas using block chords, a technique also favored by Milt Buckner, George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, and other jazz pianists. That combined with his use of pedals gave him a sound considered by critics to be innovative. Though Evans had quit the Miles Davis band a month before the album was recorded, Davis was enamored of Evans' piano sound as it was developing through 1958, and decided to use him as the pianist for four of the five tracks on the 1959 recording Kind of Blue. In a 1967 interview with Cadence Magazine, Evans revealed he named the album after consuming a full bottle of Old Crow whiskey. \"Don (Baker, Evans' publicist) wasn't happy with it when I phoned him,\" he recalled. \"But I told them I wouldn't go ahead with the recording unless I got my title. So he relented.\" Writing for Allmusic, music critic Michael G. Nastos called the album \"a landmark recording for the young pianist... Though not his very best effort overall, Evans garnered great attention, and rightfully so, from this important album of 1958.\"[3] Samuel Chell of All About Jazz wrote: \"With its varied tempos, rhythms and programming, Everybody Digs Bill Evans sustains interest without allowing the listener for a moment to mistake the singular, inimitable voice of the leader. It's not hard to understand why many Evans followers, 'casual' and otherwise, list it as their favorite of the pianist's recordings. It's doubtful there's a more introspective, meditative trio set on record, yet the pianist shows he can dance as well.\"[2] It was voted number 3 in the 50 All-Time Overlooked Jazz Albums from Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums.[6]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540766175415,"sku":"210000032196","price":20.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/everybody-digs.jpg?v=1781154189"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-sunday-at-the-village-vanguard-vinyl-180g-9919","title":"Sunday at the Village Vanguard LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eWax Time public domain reissue. This trio is widely regarded as his finest, largely because of the symbiotic interplay between its members. There is also a higher quality pressing available from Craft Recordings, see if in stock in related items below.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540775153847,"sku":"210000032197","price":22.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/bill-e.jpg?v=1781154223"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-portrait-in-jazz-180g-color-vinyl","title":"Portrait in Jazz LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Portrait in Jazz reissue contains some wondrous interplay, particularly between pianist Evans and bassist LaFaro. A classic. Reissued by WaxTime.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540775481527,"sku":"210000051557","price":22.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/bill.jpg?v=1781154224"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-waltz-for-debby-vinyl-180g","title":"Waltz for Debby LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eNow cited as one of his best albums, Waltz for Debby was a live album from Bill Evans' trio and was the companion release to the critically acclaimed Sunday at the Village Vanguard.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540782100663,"sku":"210000036662","price":23.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/waltz-for-debby.jpg?v=1781154247"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-moon-beams-vinyl-180g","title":"Moon Beams LP","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Moonbeams was the first album Bill Evans made after the death of his musical right arm, bassist Scott LaFaro. An album of ballads, it was a startling return to the recording sphere and a major advancement in Evans' development as a leader.\" -Thom Jurek\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540782198967,"sku":"210000059174","price":23.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/moon-beams.jpg?v=1781154248"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-portrait-in-jazz-blue-vinyl","title":"Portrait in Jazz LP","description":"\u003cp\u003ePortrait in Jazz marks a pivotal shift in jazz history, introducing a revolutionary \"democratic\" trio format where the piano, bass, and drums act as equal partners in a continuous musical conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540797632695,"sku":"210000103962","price":24.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4489345-3537704.jpg?v=1781154304"},{"product_id":"stan-getz-bill-evans-self-titled-vinyl","title":"Self-Titled LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Jazz\/Bossa Classic featuring Elvin Jones on drums and Ron Carter on bass\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540918153399,"sku":"210000036749","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3617307-3058352.jpg?v=1781154716"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-moon-beams-vinyl-180g-original-jazz-classics","title":"Moon Beams LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginally released in 1962, Moon Beams is the first Bill Evans Trio album with Chuck Israel on bass, following the death of Scott LaFaro.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541013180599,"sku":"210000097885","price":38.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/evans.jpg?v=1781155083"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-interplay-vinyl-180g-original-jazz-classics","title":"Interplay LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eInterplay is a 1963 album from legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans, originally released on the Riverside label. Joining Evans are Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Jim Hall (guitar), Percy Heath (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541013213367,"sku":"210000097905","price":38.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/trio.jpg?v=1781155082"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-the-album-vinyl","title":"The... Album LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album (1975) brings together two legends of modern music. Featuring just vocal and piano, without any additional musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541040804023,"sku":"210000085677","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/bennett.jpg?v=1781155186"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-you-must-believe-in-spring-vinyl-180g-45rpm","title":"You Must Believe in Spring 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eNewly mastered edition of pioneering jazz pianist Bill Evans' seventieth studio album, \"You Must Believe In Spring\", his final recording session with bassist Eddie G¢mez and drummer Eliot Zigmund.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541060235447,"sku":"210000071423","price":46.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/bill_a7582a0f-2e9b-4206-bdb1-e54c29f61b07.jpg?v=1781155253"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-undercurrent-vinyl-3023","title":"Undercurrent LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere is more variety than expected, with some cookers, ballads, waltzes, and even some hints at classical. There is a cheaper version from DOL Records in Europe (see if in stock in related products below) but this is the higher quality pressing\/cover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48757806071991,"sku":"210000087146","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4283059-3127464.jpg?v=1782413401"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-undercurrent-vinyl-7792","title":"Undercurrent LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThey don’t make LP art — or music — like this anymore. DOL and Jackpot press this recording which is in the public domain. Both sound good but the Jackpot Records version seems to be higher quality (see if it's in stock in related products below).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48757806268599,"sku":"210000051558","price":20.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3737035.jpg?v=1782413399"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-morning-glory-1973-concert-at-teatro-gran-rex-buenos-aires-cd","title":"Morning Glory: 1973 Concert at Teatro Gran Rex, Buenos Aires CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience a pivotal moment in jazz history with Bill Evans' \"Morning Glory: 1973 Concert at Teatro Gran Rex, Buenos Aires.\" This two-CD set captures the legendary pianist live in performance with Eddie Gomez and Marty Morell, showcasing a rich selection of tracks, including classics like \"Waltz for Debby\" and \"My Romance.\" Remastered from original tapes, this release also features an insightful booklet filled with rare photos and contributions from fellow musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785698816183,"sku":"210000070242","price":28.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4077380-2819222.jpg?v=1783045688"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-waltz-for-debby-vinyl-180g-original-jazz-classic","title":"Waltz for Debby LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eWaltz For Debby, the fourth and final album by one of the most influential groups in jazz history, the Bill Evans Trio, was originally released in 1962 as a companion to Sunday At The Village Vanguard.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785774674103,"sku":"210000081673","price":38.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/walts-for-debbie.jpg?v=1783045878"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-sunday-at-the-village-vanguard-vinyl-180g-5410","title":"Sunday at the Village Vanguard LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first of two albums recorded at the legendary final appearance of the Bill Evans Trio at the Village Vanguard, these recordings have long been recognized as capturing the unique interaction that characterized the trio of Evans, LaFaro and Motian.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785777590455,"sku":"210000084980","price":38.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4231286-3017917.jpg?v=1783045887"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-portrait-in-jazz-vinyl","title":"Portrait in Jazz LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience the intricate melodies of Bill Evans with \"Portrait in Jazz,\" a vinyl LP that captures the essence of genius jazz improvisation. Released under the Ojc label, this album showcases Evans' ethereal piano work alongside his masterful collaborations, inviting listeners into a realm where each note resonates with emotional depth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785852629175,"sku":"210000051559","price":25.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/1900914.jpg?v=1783046104"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-waltz-for-debby-yellow-vinyl","title":"Waltz for Debby LP","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Waltz for Debby\" was recorded June 25, 1961 live at the Village Vanguard jazz club. The place acoustics played a big role: the small, triangular basement club naturally produced a warm, close-up sound.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785857642679,"sku":"210000105039","price":20.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4471473-3476075.jpg?v=1783046119"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-everybody-digs-vinyl","title":"Everybody Digs... LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eImmerse yourself in the sophisticated sounds of Bill Evans with \"Everybody Digs...\" This vinyl LP captures the essence of jazz magic, featuring rich melodies and intricate harmonies. A timeless selection for both seasoned fans and new listeners, it showcases Evans' masterful piano work that revolutionized the genre.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785872027831,"sku":"210000080330","price":27.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/1910830.jpg?v=1783046160"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-portrait-in-jazz-180g-blue-vinyl","title":"Portrait In Jazz LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eBill Evans' \"Portrait In Jazz\" is now available on striking 180g blue vinyl, showcasing the Trio's unique synergy. This revered album features Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian alongside Evans, delivering vibrant melodies and intricate rhythms that define jazz innovation. A must-have for any serious collector, it includes new liner notes by jazz critics, adding depth to this essential listening experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785946509495,"sku":"210000077222","price":25.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4138166-2931391.jpg?v=1783046364"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-waltz-for-debby-village-vanguard-sessions-color-vinyl","title":"Waltz for Debby : Village Vanguard Sessions LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience the sublime artistry of Bill Evans with the \"Waltz for Debby: Village Vanguard Sessions\" LP, presented on vibrant colored vinyl. This limited 180-gram release captures the enchanting atmosphere of one of jazz's most iconic performances, complete with bonus tracks that enhance the listening experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785951752375,"sku":"210000056175","price":19.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/3885998-2732463.jpg?v=1783046378"},{"product_id":"bill-evans-sunday-at-the-village-vanguard-color-vinyl","title":"Sunday at The Village Vanguard LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eBill Evans' \"Sunday at The Village Vanguard\" is presented on color vinyl and produced by Ermitage Import. This LP includes profound performances from the trio, making it essential for jazz enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48906080518327,"sku":"210000091153","price":19.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4288150-3321955.jpg?v=1784558660"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.waxtraxrecords.com\/collections\/bill-evans.oembed","provider":"Wax Trax Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}