Bill Evans
“Who does Miles Davis,John McLaughlin , Herbie Hancock, and an extensive list of rock icons have in common ? Bill Evans, thats who. Evans is a world-class saxophonist and producer who made his debut on the international music scene in the 1980s originally with Miles Davis, (at the age of 21 years old and recorded 6 records with Davis) which led to touring and recording with the likes of John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger to name a few. With 26 solo albums, Grammy nods, and countless collaborations and tours, Evans has continued to explore a dazzling variety of adventurous musical settings as a pioneering bandleader, consistently winning fans in the worldwide arena. RECENT HIGHLIGHTS include touring and/or performing with his own Bill Evans Band, Robben Ford (Soulgrass meets Blues), Phil Lesh & Friends, The Stern/Evans Band, Medeski Martin & Wood, and countless past sit-ins with The Allman Brothers Band,. Evans will be spending much of his time touring with the Bill Evans Band in support of his new album “Rise Above”.
Bill still tours extensively with the Randy Brecker/ Bill Evans Soulbop band , which incorporates the many influences they both have had in their careers in the Jazz arena.
Deeply intrigued and ultimately inspired by Jazz, as well as American roots music, saxophone legend Bill Evans wrote, produced and recorded “Soulgrass” in 2005, garnering a Grammy nod in the process. Soulgrass was a breakaway new fusion of jazz and american roots, blending the banjo, fiddle, mandolin and dobro, combining the best musicians from Jazz and Americana. Says Evans “ the music and backrounds change, but its still me and my saxophone ! “ Three more CD’s followed in the Soulgrass genre, “The Other Side of Something”, “Dragonfly”, and the 2014 release of “Live in Moscow” recorded during the first of two sold out U.S. State Dept sponsored tours of Russia. Each subsequent release found Bill pushing the musical boundaries of Jazz and Improvisational groove. Miles always told me to play what Im inspired to play. Ive kept true to his advice from the very beginning. “
After 10 years of touring and breaking new ground with Soulgrass, in 2015 Bill introduced the “Bill Evans Band”, a hard hitting montage of Contemporary Jazz. The “Bill Evans Band” features Saxophone/vocals, with a seamless blend of Jazz and groove. “People really relate to this band. We’re not afraid to play anything. The Bill Evans Band takes people on a musical journey. For me, that’s the definition of jazz – Improvisation and Exploration that people can still relate to!”
“RISE ABOVE” is Bill’s latest and most accessible release to date (2016). On this, his 26th solo offering, Evans explores rich and haunting vocals from special guest singers, including legend Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, JJ Grey, Anders Osborne, Murali Coryell, and Josh Dion. Says Bill, “This recording has been an epic journey. My vision from the beginning was to record with some of my favorite singers, and work on a different song with each one of them. The goal was to still make a cohesive and solid performance out of all this music. It went far beyond my expectations. Sheer pleasure start to finish!”
In July 2019 , Bill Released Two Cd’s. The first title Bill Evans / Robben Ford - the Sun Room , featuring Keith Carlock and James Genus On Ear Music. A live in the studio
Blend of Soul, Funk , and vocals recorded in Nashville Tennessee. Says Bill “ This Cd was just effortless to make. These musicians are incredible to play with.”
The Second CD is a live CD with one of Bills’ current bands called Bill Evans and the Spykillers Live Down Under. It was recorded in Melbourne Australia at the famed Birdland Jazz club. This cd features the great Wolfgang Haffner on drums, Simon Oslender on B3 and Gary Grainger on Bass. “ the Spykillers give me the freedom to play any kind of music we choose to play. Complete Freedom !!
Bill Has two passions. Playing music and relating to young people. says Bill “ if I can change someones life in s positive way, whether its playing music or giving a clinic, Im all for it “
Album Notes
A great blend of progressive Rock, Soul and Jazz. Featuring vocals by stars such as : Gregg Allman ( Allman brothers band)
Warren Haynes, Anders Osborne, Jj Grey , Murali Coryell and Josh Dion. Guest appearances by Jake Cinninger of umphreys Mcgee, and Joe Russo and Marco Benevento of " Almost Dead "
Evans pushes the boundaries once again.
“Who does Miles Davis,John McLaughlin , Herbie Hancock, and an extensive list of rock icons have in common ? Bill Evans, thats who. Evans is a world-class saxophonist and producer who made his debut on the international music scene in the 1980s originally with Miles Davis, (at the age of 21 years old and recorded 6 records with Davis) which led to touring and recording with the likes of John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger to name a few. With 26 solo albums, Grammy nods, and countless collaborations and tours, Evans has continued to explore a dazzling variety of adventurous musical settings as a pioneering bandleader, consistently winning fans in the worldwide arena. RECENT HIGHLIGHTS include touring and/or performing with his own Bill Evans Band, Robben Ford (Soulgrass meets Blues), Phil Lesh & Friends, The Stern/Evans Band, Medeski Martin & Wood, and countless past sit-ins with The Allman Brothers Band,. Evans will be spending much of his time touring with the Bill Evans Band in support of his new album “Rise Above”.
Bill still tours extensively with the Randy Brecker/ Bill Evans Soulbop band , which incorporates the many influences they both have had in their careers in the Jazz arena.
Deeply intrigued and ultimately inspired by Jazz, as well as American roots music, saxophone legend Bill Evans wrote, produced and recorded “Soulgrass” in 2005, garnering a Grammy nod in the process. Soulgrass was a breakaway new fusion of jazz and american roots, blending the banjo, fiddle, mandolin and dobro, combining the best musicians from Jazz and Americana. Says Evans “ the music and backrounds change, but its still me and my saxophone ! “ Three more CD’s followed in the Soulgrass genre, “The Other Side of Something”, “Dragonfly”, and the 2014 release of “Live in Moscow” recorded during the first of two sold out U.S. State Dept sponsored tours of Russia. Each subsequent release found Bill pushing the musical boundaries of Jazz and Improvisational groove. Miles always told me to play what Im inspired to play. Ive kept true to his advice from the very beginning. “
After 10 years of touring and breaking new ground with Soulgrass, in 2015 Bill introduced the “Bill Evans Band”, a hard hitting montage of Contemporary Jazz. The “Bill Evans Band” features Saxophone/vocals, with a seamless blend of Jazz and groove. “People really relate to this band. We’re not afraid to play anything. The Bill Evans Band takes people on a musical journey. For me, that’s the definition of jazz – Improvisation and Exploration that people can still relate to!”
“RISE ABOVE” is Bill’s latest and most accessible release to date (2016). On this, his 26th solo offering, Evans explores rich and haunting vocals from special guest singers, including legend Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, JJ Grey, Anders Osborne, Murali Coryell, and Josh Dion. Says Bill, “This recording has been an epic journey. My vision from the beginning was to record with some of my favorite singers, and work on a different song with each one of them. The goal was to still make a cohesive and solid performance out of all this music. It went far beyond my expectations. Sheer pleasure start to finish!”
In July 2019 , Bill Released Two Cd’s. The first title Bill Evans / Robben Ford - the Sun Room , featuring Keith Carlock and James Genus On Ear Music. A live in the studio
Blend of Soul, Funk , and vocals recorded in Nashville Tennessee. Says Bill “ This Cd was just effortless to make. These musicians are incredible to play with.”
The Second CD is a live CD with one of Bills’ current bands called Bill Evans and the Spykillers Live Down Under. It was recorded in Melbourne Australia at the famed Birdland Jazz club. This cd features the great Wolfgang Haffner on drums, Simon Oslender on B3 and Gary Grainger on Bass. “ the Spykillers give me the freedom to play any kind of music we choose to play. Complete Freedom !!
Bill Has two passions. Playing music and relating to young people. says Bill “ if I can change someones life in s positive way, whether its playing music or giving a clinic, Im all for it “
Album Notes
A great blend of progressive Rock, Soul and Jazz. Featuring vocals by stars such as : Gregg Allman ( Allman brothers band)
Warren Haynes, Anders Osborne, Jj Grey , Murali Coryell and Josh Dion. Guest appearances by Jake Cinninger of umphreys Mcgee, and Joe Russo and Marco Benevento of " Almost Dead "
Evans pushes the boundaries once again.
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