Bill and Eddie: "Waltz for Debby" live in 1975

Rare to see any footage of the pianist playing the Rhodes electric piano and an acoustic at the same time. The duo was recorded live in concert in Lisbon in July 1975.

---

Bill Evans POSTERS and PHOTOGRAPHS

Perhaps the most asked question I get in email is where can one obtain high-quality photos and posters of Bill Evans. Keep in mind that like music, the photos taken of Bill in his lifetime are the copyrighted and individually-owned work of the photographers who took them (or their respective estates) Thus, only photographers or their agents or representatives, or those licensed to market these photos may do so. This is one reason why this site has never sold, or will sell or otherwise distribute Evans photographs.

However, this site -- allposters.com offers several photos (primarily album covers, framed and not framed that may be exactly what some of you have been looking for. (the link will take you right to the Bill Evans page there.

Check them out, and happy hunting!

---

We are sad to report the passing of Condit Atkinson, Sr. Mr. Atkinson was a long-time close friend and first bass player to work extensively with Bill Evans. The two worked many jobs together in NJ as well as in Louisiana, when they attended Southeastern Lousiana College in the late 1940s. His memories of Bill, as well as various amateur recordings the two made were featured on Evan Evans' compilation CD "Very Early" on E3 Records). Mr. Atkinson continued professionally in music, was an accomplished arranger and composer, and taught at several colleges and high schools in New Jersey. (Please visit this page for more information, remembrances, and some interesting photos. ) As one who was friends with his son Connie (we attended the same music school) , and met and spoke with Mr. Atkinson, I send my condolences to his wonderful family and to his many friends in and colleagues in the jazz community.

---

News from billevans.org

(Reprinted directly from the site:)

"Over 1000+ pages of materials, bound into four massive compendiums, now available by appointment. Handwritten music notation, leadsheets, personal letters & postcards, notes, art, scribblings, and more. Find out who the person behind the music really was, and why he made the choices he did, both musically and for his life. $100* (access for one day) Proceeds are used for the storage, preservation, and administration of materials at The Bill Evans Archives." Contact info, etc. here

---

Quote of the Month

"Evans crafted his improvisations with exacting deliberation. Often he would take a phrase, or just a kernel of its character, then develop and extend its rhythms, melodic ideas, and accompanying harmonies. Then within the same solo he would often return to that kernel, transforming it each time. And while all this was happening, he would ponder ways of resolving the tension that was building. He would be considering rhythmic ways, melodic ways, and harmonies all at the same time, long before the optimal moment for resolving the idea."

-- Mark C. Gridley (jazzstyles.com)

---

NEW CD: The Complete(?) Bill Evans -Tony Scott

: "All known performances with Bill performing with Tony together here on one CD" says cduniverse.com. Let's' face it, the "Lone Hill" label (from Spain) hasn't had the best track record in accurately labeling its recordings and even names of tracks. Researching through the Evans discography, all tracks from the following titles that should have been on the set, ifit can be called "complete." Such a collection would have to include all material from : The Touch of Tony Scott (RCA Victor LPM 1353) July 1956, The Complete Tony Scott (RCA Victor LPM 1452) Dec. 1956, Free Blown Jazz (Carlton STLP 12 113) Nov. 1957, My Kind of Jazz /(Perfect PL 12010), The Modern Art of Jazz / (Seeco CLP 425) Nov. 1957, Golden Moments /(Muse MR 5230) Aug.1959, Sung Heroes / (Sunnyside SSC1015 D) Oct 1959 with Bill, Scott Lafaro and Paul Motian.

However, of course, they do not.

Thanks to our longtime friends Eric Min-Tung in France and Dr. Rob Rijneke in The Netherlands, here is the lowdown on all the tracks in the set. Although there are some rarities hard to find, the CD title itself is definitely deceptive by using the word "complete". But with Lonehill (In Spain, where copyright and public domain laws and regulations are very different than those of the USA,, we can't say we're surprised. Buyer beware.

* Walkin'
* I Can't Get Started
* Free And Easy Blues
* My Melancholy Baby
* Stella By Starlight
* I'll Remember April
*  A Night In Tunisia
* Garrison's Raiders
* Misery
*Requiem For 'Hot Lips' Page
*Blues For An African Friend
*Five
* There Will Never Be Another You
* If I'm Lucky (I'll Be The One)
*A Shoulder To Cry On
* Deep Purple
* Aeolian Drinkin' Song
*Round Midnight
* Vanilla Frosting On A Beef Pie
* For Stefan Wolpe
* Israel
* Like Someone In Love

TONY SCOTT -clarinet
BILL EVANS- piano
on all tracks, plus
CD1: Jimmy Garrison (b), Pete La Roca (d).
The Showplace, New York, August 1 & 9, 1959.

CD 2, 1-3: Scott LaFaro (b), Paul Motian (d).
New York, October 28-29, 1959.

CD 2, 4-7: Henry Grimes (b on 4-6),
Milt Hinton (b on 7), Paul Motian (d).
New York, ca. November 16, 1957.

CD 2, 8-11: Les Grinage (b), Lennie McBrowne (d).
New York, July 6, 1956.

*Bonus tracks:
CD2, 12-13: Same as CD2, 1-3, except bass and
drums omitted. These are Bill Evans-Tony Scott duets.
CD2, 14: Same as CD1, except Tony Scott omitted; 

It is assumed that LoneHill (or any other company putting out such products, have settled for royalties with the Evans estate and others involved. Thus, we do not endorse nor recommend products that have not done so, and we provide any patriculars as a public service strictly for informational purposes only.

---

The EXCELLENT new Scott LaFaro book and CD!

The Pieces of Jade CD features material previously unavailable to American audiences. Among the highlights is a rare glimpse inside the creative process with LaFaro in an extended practice session with Bill Evans, both of them working through a standard they practically owned, "My Foolish Heart." Also included are five selections recorded in New York City during 1961 that showcase LaFaro with pianist Don Friedman and drummer Pete LaRoca. Also featured is a more recent Friedman composition dedicated to the bassist, entitled Memories for Scotty, as well as a rare 13-minute Bill Evans interview.

Don Friedman, piano (1-5,8) Scott LaFaro, bass (1-5) Pete LaRoca, drums (1-5) Recorded in New York City 1961 (1-5) Track 6, Bill Evans and LaFaro.Track 8 recorded by George Klabin. More info and sound samples here.

And check out allaboutjazz.com's review here.

Make sure you check out Doug Ramsey's excellent piece "Listen To The Bass Player: Part 6, Scott LaFaro" for some excellent perspective on the great bassist. He includes some intriguing and little known quotes from Bill Evans. It's all part of a series that inclues some incisive material on Paul Chambers. Red Mitchell and other pioneers of the acoustic bass.

---

Jade Visions: The Life and Music of Scott LaFaro (by Helene LaFaro-Fernandez, Introduction by Gene Lees, University of North Texas Press, 352 pp.) is now available This book is is the first biography of one of the twentieth century’s most influential jazz musicians and bassists. Best known for his landmark recordings with Bill Evans, LaFaro played bass a mere seven years before his life and career were tragically cut short by an automobile accident in July 1961, when he was only 25 years old.

LaFaro’s sister and well-known musicians and jazz experts(likeGene Less, Eddie Gomez, Marc Johnson, the late Bud Shank, Ornette coleman and many more tell the musician’s story and reflect on his amazing legacy. His early life is well-chronicled, as is his work with Coleman, Victor Feldman, Stan Getz and others, including, of course his defining work with the Bill Evans Trio. There are many photos (none with Bill, oddly) and a disography. Several chapters explain (with musical examples) Scottie's revolutionary technique and musical contribution ot the music's history. A well-written, hearfelt andquite thorough biography! Recommended!

---

Now streaming online (RealPlayer) -from WFIU Public Radio (NPR) : "Very Early: Bill Evans, 1956-1958". (A look at the early sideman years. Check out Tony Scott's band playing Evans tune "FIVE"!, There's stuff with Mingus, Joe Puma, George Russell, a treat with Eddie Costa's "Guys and Dolls" LP, and more. A winner, indeed!

---

Bill Evans -The Complete Catalog of Recordings

A rich collection of data, arranged chronilogically, of Evans' recording histoey. Dates, sidemen and other personnel, etc.

 

---

The Complete Tony Bennett - Bill Evans recordings

A sublime 2-CD collection that spotlights the iconic song stylist dueting with the legendary jazz pianist from their two albums recorded in 1975 & 1976. Disc 1 combines the originally issued recordings, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album and Together Again with two bonus tracks. Disc 2 features alternate takes from both sessions. Originally produced by Evans manager Helen Keane, the remastered compilations is produced by Nick Phillips with new liner notes by Will Friedwald. For lots more information on the tracks and more. See Concord Record's page on the CD here.

Read a brand new and rather "personal" review by Will Layman at popmatters.com

*** Here's a wonderful review from the CBC (Canada)

*** Read jazz critic DOUG RAMSEY's review here

---

DVD - Trio and Umbria and Hamburg Quartet

NEW DVD: BILL EVANS TRIO 1978: UMBRIA/1972: (QUARTET with HERB GELLER in HAMBURG) This release from a European company known as Disconforme (?) presents two performances by Bill Evans for the first time ever on DVD. First, live at the Umbria Jazz festival, Umbria, Italy, July 19, 1978, and a rehearsal filmed for German TV with reedman Herb Geller in Hamburg, 1972. Some of this footage has been floating around on YouTube for a while (as noted here a few months back) but the 1978 trio with Philly Joe is rare. It's an import, and I held off a few weeks after hearing it was out, since I saw no American outlet offering it at the time. Now it appears on amazon.com, but only being sold by resellers (Price: about $18.00) and at cduniverse.com for a little less. Umbria Jazz Festival: (with Marc Johnson, bass and Philly Joe Jones, drums; Lee Konitz appears on alto sax)DVD TRACKS: 01. The Peacocks 6:10 02. Theme From Mash 4:38 03. Midnight Mood 5:20 04. Nardis/Announcement by Bill Evans 8:00 05. Solar [incomplete] 4:18 Studio Rehearsal, Funkhaus, Hamburg, Germany, February 12, 1972. (with Herb Geller, piccolo flute/alto flute/sax, Eddie Gomez on bass and Marty Morell on drums.) 06. Waltz for Dissention [Geller-piccolo flute] 4:27 07. Stockenhagen [Geller-alto flute] 5:41 08. What Is This Thing Called Love? [Geller-alto sax] 4:47 09. Sao Paulo [Geller-alto flute] 1:42 10. Northern Trail [Geller-alto flute] 8:50

---

REQUEST: If any of you have copies of old advertisements of Bill Evans albums, concerts, club appearances or whatever, (scanned in .jpg, .gif, .bmp .pdf or most other graphic formats) please contact me, simply so we can share them with Evans fans all over the world! Maybe we'll give them all a whole page here if we get enough.

They are an integral part of jazz history and jazz marketing, and many younger fans have not seen these "remnants" of past times. I often hear from Bill's fans from many countries who became aware of his music after his passing, and these would make for good educational materials! Anyone contributing copies of same will be fully credited of course. If you're a real Bill Evans fan, this is YOUR site, and we want to hear from you! Thanks - JS.

---

Amazing FREE download - The complete series of Bill Evans newsletters"Letter From Evans" from the 80s

You can now download the "Letter From Evans" series of newsletters here

An incredible resource: between 1989 -1994, a newsletter dedicated solely to the music and the life of Bill Evans was published by well-known Evans historian and bassist Win Hinkle(Those who have appreciated Bill's work since that time may have seen Win's name included in both the Peter Pettinger and Keith Shadwick books) "Letter From Evans" was available by subscription only back then, but now Win has made all twenty-six issues available online in .pdf files-- and it's all free!

During it's five-year run, LFE featured Evans news, album reviews, commentary, analysis, transcriptions and many exclusive interviews done mostly by Win with some folks you just might have heard of: Keith Jarrett, Marc Johnson, Steve Allen, Earl Zindars, Joe LaBarbera, Henry Mancini, Chuck Israels, Mundell Lowe, Jimmy Rowles, Denny Zeitlin, BILL himself and many others!

A few of those who contributed articles or reviews included musicians like Jack Reilly, Kenny Werner, Hal Galper, Richie Bierach, Ron Nethercutt and yours truly, Jan Stevens. Obviously, if you're an Evans aficianado, or even just a serious jazz fan, you want to see this stuff.

---

NOTES, DISCLAIMERS AND LEGALESE:

NOTE: The textual information and HTML within is proprietary content and cannot be copied digitally, electronically or otherwise for use on the Web or other media without permission. If you wish to use any content here, (Other than brief quotes or paragrapgh use under the Fair Use Doctrine) or have a BLOG, simply email us for permission before copying reviews and or other materials. Thank you.

This tribute website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is a not-for-profit endeavor and we do not solicit nor accept any contributions, nor do we sell any products, music transcriptions, ad space, or other Bill Evans- related or jazz-related services whatsoever. This website is not affiliated with any record company or publisher, nor with the Estate of Bill Evans. Any ads or logos to featured jazz sites are purely promotional as a recommended site, and are unsolicited and done for free.

Also: many musicians and fans have contacted us and asked about obtaining Bill Evans piano transcriptions. Sorry, but we do not provide these for various copyright reasons. The webmaster (a pianist) has studied many Evans solo transcriptions, and various transcriptions by both amateurs and professionals are available on the Web. Though we do not endorse or specifically recommend these, you can see a few links to transcriptions on our LINKS page and for info on where to purchase music books of various Evans collections. Many are able to be obtained from TRO Music, Inc., distributed by Hal Leonard, Inc., and other authorized companies which pay licensing fees and have permissions to reproduce original musical compositions and transcriptions. We kindly ask that you please do not email to ask "What album is "[whatever song] on?". Our discography of Bill Evans' recording history (1956 through 1980) --though in need of some updating for recent reissues -- gives as much detailed and complete information as possible. Thank you

---

WE PROUDLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING JAZZ SITES FOR THEIR EXCELLENCE!

:









Site development by NJ MetroNET, Inc.

---

The Bill Evans Webpages site receives abolutely no compensation or ad revenue from other websites sites represented here. These websites are mentioned only as recommendations based on the quality of their content, and their possible jazzintetrest to our many site visitors.