orig. William John Evans
born Aug. 16, 1929, Plainfield, N.J., U.S.
died Sept. 15, 1980, New York, N.Y.
U.S. pianist and composer, one of the most influential musicians in modern jazz .
Evans was classically trained and influenced by pianists Bud Powell , Horace Silver , and Lennie Tristano . His subtle harmonies and lyrical melodic sensitivity were particularly well suited to modal improvisation, demonstrated on the landmark Miles Davis recording Kind of Blue (1959). As leader of his own trio, Evans established near-telepathic communication with his fellow musicians, creating music of rare depth and introspection. His best-known composition is "Waltz for Debby."