Remembering Bill Evans

Bill Evans, whose untethered chords and rhythms changed the way pianists approach jazz, died 30 years ago, on September 15th, 1980. Evans' chords were lush and elegant, and they involved melodies of their inner voices that suggest layers of meaning. His rich and introspective sound deserves much of the credit for the success of Miles Davis' 1959 best-selling album Kind of Blue. On his 1961 album Sunday at the Village Vanguard, he reinvented the piano trio, freeing up the bassist and drummer so that each member of the group was on an equally inventive plane.

Although it has been three decades since Bill Evans has been around to play, Bill Evans is certainly not absent from jazz. His influence is present in virtually every jazz pianist performing today.

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