Bill Evans (August 16, 1929–September 15, 1980) was one of the most famous jazz pianists of the 20th century, and the force behind the biggest shift in the jazz paradigm since Art Tatum. His use of impressionistic harmony, his inventive interpretation of traditional jazz repertoire and his syncopated and polyrhythmic melodic lines influenced a generation of pianists, including Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, and his work continues to inspire younger pianists like Fred Hersch, Bill Charlap, Lyle Mays and Brad Mehldau, as well as other musicians such as guitarists John McLaughlin and Gene Bertoncini.
