How to Play Jazz Piano Like Bill Evans

[@Jazzmentl]

Hi JazzMentlists! It's been a while since we reviewed Biill Evans playing. I did produce videos on Bill when I started creating content for this channel a couple of years ago - but I didn't have all the equipment I do now. I think this edit is easier for visual leaners to follow. I'll keep adding to this Bill Evans series, so make sure you SUBSCRIBE to be notified when the new tutorials drop. Don't forget to hit the THUMBS UP! I'd also love to hear your feedback, comments and/or ideas for future tutorials. Go now to download the PDF for this lesson jazzmentl.com/bill-evans-concepts-members-page/

[@pnojazz]

Yep, Bill was a Master!❤ I appreciate you sharing this!

[@wawanko7825]

A very clear analysis of Bill' use of Barry's 6th diminished technique. Bill has always been that one musician I go to, to reboot and reestablish my sense of swing when I feel that I have veered off track for what ever reason and I'm a drummer go figure! After listening and playing along with a few of Bill's recordings for even a few minutes I'm back on track and in the pocket as they say. There so much bebop fluency and depth to his playing not only melodically and harmonically but rhythmically as well, so an absolute great reference...he was one deep cat.

[@Jazzmentl]

What a great ritual to have to both inspire you and get you back "in the pocket". I know what you mean though. Simply producing this video and having to commit my thoughts about his technical concepts to paper was inspiring. He's a legend!

[@davidhernandez-uw1gj]

Best Jazz Tutorial 😊❤️ You’re a excellent teacher ❤

[@humblemai2211]

😂😂great teacher always

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you, Maestro ⭐🔥🌹🔥⭐

[@andrewwright6893]

Another brilliant lesson. Nice playing

[@Jazzmentl]

Thanks Andrew 🙂

[@MrLightning20]

Beautiful tutorial. That’s the Bill Evans style I’ve heard for years. I am definitely adding this block chord style and 4th voicings in this fashion to my repertoire!

[@Jazzmentl]

Thanks 🙏. Glad you enjoyed!

[@genekelly3961]

Love your analysis and footage of Bill playing. In that video (Universal mind of Bill Evans) it is fascinating to also see Bill’s transformation of “Star Eyes”. Block chords, drop voicings too!

[@Jazzmentl]

Yeah. I should do more of this. I find these types of learning videos are helpful. Thanks for reminding me! 😁

[@rickrocketts183]

If you told me I could only listen to one artist the rest of my life, it’s Bill Evans. Another great video, Mr. Tobey.

[@Jazzmentl]

Thanks Rick. Have you seen the documentary? It's pretty good.

[@rickrocketts183]

I did, yes. Really loved it. A shame we lost his talents too soon to addiction.

[@justcommentator]

Very informative and interesting analysis

[@matthewjansen6229]

Thanks Paul, great lesson &* PDF !!!

[@Jazzmentl]

My pleasure Matthew 😁

[@terrarium_minded]

You're awesome

[@Jazzmentl]

☺️ - I'm happy you enjoyed this.

[@New_in_jazz]

Thank you very much my friend ❤

[@Jazzmentl]

Hey friend! Missed you 🤗

[@New_in_jazz]

@@Jazzmentl I practice chords 🫣😫

[@belindadrake5487]

My 2nd favourite jazz pianist. Oscar Peterson numero uno! Thanks for this. I was an embryo when l 1st heard this beautiful music. DAD💔was a jazz nut. Had his own club; where my Mum met him. I’m SOOOOO LUCKY. Miss you DAD💔 . I’m still playing…. & teaching But you know that!! 🎹💪🏾😈✨

[@Jazzmentl]

Hi Belinda. First, thanks for being part of this jazz community 🙏. Second, it sounds like you embraced your father's passion for jazz! It's a beautiful story ❤️🎶⭐

[@belindadrake5487]

@@Jazzmentl THANK YOU SO MUCH. My DAD,💔 is always with me. Just another ‘little’ (!) story: l saw my first gig at 3yrs old. I HEARD/SAW DAVE BRUBECK & his band. We met MR. Dave backstage, & he taught me how to play‘chopsticks’! I unfortunately can’t remember that. But l DO remember he wanted to ‘borrow’ me for a few years, having all boys as you know! I’m DEFINITELY NOT BEING, a ‘hey look at me person. I’m an extroverted introvert! My parents said they just couldn’t do that. But it’s a MAGIC MOMENT in my life; musically, the BIGGEST!! My DAD & MUM would NEVER EVER tell fibs. Mum & l still have photos with them all ( on those old ‘slide discs. Can’t remember what they called them. Pure treasures.) Last time l saw ‘The Senator’ Uncle Eugene was in 2017. He came here ( Australia) with a girl who played all forms of saxophones. I still have a book he gave me, inscribed with a beautiful written note saying, how much it meant to HIM, to meet my DAD, MUM, & little ol’ me. 😃 l miss him too, but what a legacy he left. I can see him with My DAD, probably frowning at me for learning ‘rock guitar’! I had to pay my bills!! He asked me to play something on my 1963 Fender Strat… l don’t know WHY, but l played ‘TAKE FIVE’.🤣🤣 What was l thinking???? He just smiled , & asked me to give him a go. He was a HUGE MAN, & it looked like a toy in his massive hands! He said ‘l don’t know how you can play this thing’!! His first finger covered 2 frets!!!! My DAD💔was a big guy too, but next to ‘UNC’ a little boy’ l hope l haven’t bored you with my novella. Thank you so for accepting me into this wonderful community of the best musos on the planet! ‘JAZZ ROCKS’ 🤣🤣🤣🎹💪🏾🌟✨

[@humblemai2211]

😅😅😅 thanks a lot

[@Jazzmentl]

You're welcome!

[@raneyjr]

Hi there, Paul! Very well presented with keyboard, music and live video. I hope one day I can do that! As a fellow Bill Evans fan I would posit a slightly different point of view in reference to his block chords. For me he was one guy that didn't completely work out "improvised" block chords (for example Green Dolphin St trio recording from '59) as opposed to (let's say) Shearing who clearly worked out every note in order to double with guitar and vibes arrangement. Ofcourse, they are worked out, but in the same sense that we have phrases we come up with, but choose certain ones we can think of and physically play. My theory is that his block chord style comes from two handed solos (he can do that too) where the left leads and he adds chords in the right depending on available fingers. This can involve skipping notes or smaller blocks than 7ths. That seems to be borne out in transcriptions I've looked at.

[@Jazzmentl]

Hi Raney Jr! Yeah, you could be right! And different point of views are always welcomed. We all learn from one another here. I'm grateful for this input! 🙏

[@raneyjr]

@@Jazzmentl right back at you. keep 'em coming. best Jon Raney

[@larryjackkelly]

total jive

[@OscarCrease-nd6js]

Awesome! Do you speak jive?