Bill Evans chord progression:

Bill Evans chord progression:

Source: http://jazzicons.com/ji3_evans.html

I've studied many pianist’s styles and techniques, but there’s one that has captivated me deeply since I discovered him. His name was Bill Evans, many people consider him the epitome of class when it comes to the piano, and some even remember him as the piano poet because of his melodic playing. I’ve learned many useful things from this pianist and today I will share with you a specific progression that I think everyone must know because it is so beautiful and classy.

Remember, this is my interpretation of the way he played it and in no way I’m telling you that this is how YOU have to play it, I’m just trying to help those in need of music guidance to enrich their music, and what better way to do that than to learn from the master himself Bill Evans.

The son is called: “My foolish heart”, here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2LFVWBmoiw

This rendition is beyond words, the way Bill plays it is so calm and thoughtful it almost feels like he is not thinking at all, but if we break down the chords we realize that there’s a master mind and heart behind every single note been played.

Watch the video completely first and then click on the link bellow so that you can go specifically to the progression I will discuss. It starts at about 1:57 and ends in 2.00.

https://youtu.be/a2LFVWBmoiw?t=1m57s

This progression we’re listening above is serving the purpose of a  2, 5, 1 progression because he is trying to get back to the root of the song which is A. However, Bill Evans does this in such a subtle way that it completely passes you by without noticing how amazing this transition is. We will be playing B which is the II from A, then E which is the V from A and then back to the root, although in the video itself he leaves the bass sustained in E creating a magical slash chord. (Check out my other post on Yin and Yang slash chords so that you can learn more about this chord.)

1-) The very first chord we hear is a B 13^th chord but played in a very specific way. I like to remember this chord not as a 13^th but rather a major 6^th chord with the tonic added on our last finger (pinky finger.) I've specifically heard this chord being used a lot in Bossa nova music by many great artists! We will play it this way. On the left hand we will use a minor 7^th interval starting on B (B+A), and on the right hand we will play a B Major 6^th chord adding the tonic on our pinky finger but starting on the Major third from B which is Eb or (D#) like this:(Eb or D# + Ab or G# + B)

2-) Now we will leave the same notes on our left hand and focus on the right hand. The chord is a B Augmented 5^th adding the 9^th on our pinky finger, but also starting on the same Major third from B which is Eb or (D#) like this:         (Eb or D# + G + Db or C#). If you noticed we only changed two notes this time around. Take a moment to notice them.

3-) Next, on the bass we will go to the V of the transition which is E, and we will play a power chord or a perfect 5^th interval from E like this: (E+B). On the right hand we will play a delicious 11^th chord that will give way to our final chord and it is serving as the balance in this whole thing. Play an E 11^th chord like this:     (D + F# or Gb + A)

4-) Finally we will end the transition in a beautifully played chord which Bill Evans collocated with the greatest care and tenderness this passage deserved and needed. This a true sign of maturity in music, the wise usage of dynamics. On the left hand we will leave the same E power chord from before and focus on the right hand. Play an E Dominant chord with a minor 9^th or flat 9^th.               (D + F + B) Ab or G# optional!

This is in my opinion a very effective implementation of inner voicing. If you noticed, we did a chromatic change downward in the notes that occupy the middle of the chord, and our pinky finger also told a story by changing whole steps in every chord. This is what story telling is all about in Jazz. To our ears it sounds beautiful and simple, but once we analyze it deeply, we can see why Jazz deserves to be more implemented in all musical genres. The richness and fullness of harmonization we have at our fingertips is endless.

Now learn this progression and apply it your own way by changing notes within the progression chords.

Enjoy!

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com