Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer who mostly played in trios. His use of impressionist harmony, inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire, block chords, and trademark rhythmically independent, "singing" melodic lines continue to influence jazz pianists today. Born in 1929, he was classically trained at Southeastern Louisiana University and the Mannes School of Music. In 1955, he moved to New York City, where he worked with bandleader George Russell. In 1958, Evans joined Miles Davis's sextet, which in 1959, then immersed in modal jazz, recorded Kind of Blue, the best-selling jazz album of all time. During that time, Evans was also playing with Chet Baker for the album Chet. In late 1959, Evans left the Miles Davis band and began his career as a leader, with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Lafaro died in a car accident in 1961 and so their time together was limited but the group are now regarded as a seminal modern jazz trio. Evans received seven Grammys and was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame. This album brought to you at mid-price is a collection of classic radio broadcasts of the trio performing at the legendary Birdland in 1960.
