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"THE HARMONY OF BILL EVANS- VOL. 2" Book / CD package
by Jack Reilly -- now read the FOREWARD by Jan Stevens

FOREWORD BY JAN R. STEVENS:

“Though everything else may appear shallow and repulsive, even the smallest task in music is so absorbing, and carries us so far away from town, country, earth, and all worldly things, that it is truly a blessed gift of God.” -- Felix Mendelssohn

The incomparable pianistic innovations of Bill Evans (1929 – 1980) continue to be celebrated by jazz fans, and closely studied by serious musicians worldwide. During his over twenty-five year recording career, he changed the approach to the sound of the piano itself in jazz by his touch, and his attention to pedaling, phrasing and dynamics. His remarkable approach to the possibilities of interplay within the piano-bass-drums trio is well-documented from the late 1950s on. READ THE REST HERE

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Hal Leonard, Inc, (the world's largest music publisher) has just released the new book "THE HARMONY OF BILL EVANS VOL. 2" by master pianist -composer Jack Reilly (with Foreward by pianist Jan Stevens of the Bill Evans Webpages site). Bill Evans died in 1980 but the compositional legacy he left behind is forever expanding. This expansive study shows how and why.

In Jack Reilly's second volume, he provides a deeper appreciation and understanding of Evans' compositions. This book and CD package (only $29.99 USD) includes two important theory chapters (which stand out on their own merits, brilliantly) , plus ten of Evans’ most passionate and melodically gorgeous works. The voicing charts for all ten songs are more complex than in volume one and pianistically more demanding, yet always worth the effort. The subjects of modulation and key relationships that are discussed in each chapter will help the player memorize faster and improvise with more facility; not an easy task when performing Evans' music.

The "Lament for Bill" in chapter 13 is the author's tribute to the genius of this great artist.

The accompanying CD will add to the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of the written examples. This a powerhouse book that will a prove to be a deep and indispensible experience for pianists of all stylistic persuasions as well as serious Evans fans. There is much to learn and enjoy here!

Songs include: Your Story • Laurie • For Nenette • My Bells • Maxine • Song for Helen • Turn Out the Stars • Very Early • Waltz for Debby • and more!

ORDER THROUGH HAL LEONARD ONLINE, check your local music retailer, or you can buy from amazon.com.

HERE'S THE REVIEW FROM JAZZWISE (U.K.) MAGAZINE!

THE HARMONY OF BILL EVANS, VOL. 2 BY JACK REILLY:

In the eyes of anyone interested in the technical aspects of Bill Evans, this will make for fascinating reading and, hopefully, some challenging playing too. Reilly is the renowned teacher and performer whose students include such as Bill Charlap, and whose achievements have taken in albums as well as tours in the U.K. The fact that he also had an early acquaintance with Bill, long before the latter became famous, obviously lends weight to his intention in explain the inner mechanics of Evans’ music.

It’s worth noting though that this is basically a theoretical essay with examples, rather than just a series of charts linked by some “and-then-he-wrote” text. Of the many illustrations provided, only two seem to be Evans’ own arrangements of his originals, while another eight are Evans tunes arranged by Jack Reilly. Then there are three more pieces which are, in fact, Jack Reilly originals, marked as such, that somehow reflect the Evans style, and the Reilly thesis about how it worked.

The dense theoretical section occupying the first half of the folio may be tough reading for some, and some of the examples in this section are clearly intended to be illustrative, rather than pieces that make music in their own right. But they enhance appreciation of the Evans tunes, as do Reilly’s examples on the accompanying CD.

----Brian Priestley

(those unfamiliar with HARMONY OF BILL EVANS VOL.1 by Jack Reilly can check it out here

CLICK HERE for a free MP3 of "Lament for Bill" by Jack Reilly!

This will open in a new window as an MP3 automatically, depending on how your browser is set, or in some cases, by RealPlayer or QuickTime. If, in Winows Explorer you get an "Active X" warning, click OPTIONS and "allow blocked content". This is also true for he video on this page. There is nothing here that wll "harm your computer"!

SPECIES BLUES - A JAZZ PIANO METHOD IN THREE VOLUMES...

by Jack Reilly. Check it out here!

DAVE BRUBECK (1920 - 2012)

"A GIANT HAS JOINED ANOTHER BAND, THE ONE IN THE SKIES"
( PIANO VACANCY FILLED) by JACK REILLY:

"I believe Dave Brubeck was a genius -- genius being defined as one who changes the course of history. In Dave's case, musical history. He was a prolific composer in all genres out distancing Mozart, a pianist of originality and power, who influenced all of us and he has left an enormous legacy in recorded works. He was a giant among giants. And may I add, a humble, kind and generous human being. In writing my book on his music, I got to know him more intimately. He was never too busy to come to the phone when I called. Iola, Dave and his children have given the world some amazing and exciting music that will be around a long, long time. An inspiration to all."

ForFor a touching tribute by JACK REILLY to the great musician HALL OVERTON go here

Check out Jack Reilly's new SHOWCASE page at Allaboutjazz.com - and download the FREE track from the "Innocence" CD!
While you're there, you can also read their exclusive interview with Jack.