Bill Evans

Technique is the ability to translate your ideas into sound through your instrument.

I’m believe that all people are in possession of what might be called a ‘universal musical mind.’

I believe in things that are developed through hard work. I always like people who have developed long and hard, especially through introspection and a lot of dedication. I think what they arrive at is usually a much deeper and more beautiful thing than the person who seems to have that ability and fluidity from the beginning. I say this because it’s a good message to give to young talents who feel as I used to.

Keep searching for that sound you hear in your head until it becomes a reality.

Despite the fact I’m a professional performer, it’s true that I have always preferred playing without an audience.

Technique is the ability to translate your ideas into sound through your instrument. This is a comprehensive technique . . . a feeling for the keyboard that will allow you to transfer any emotional utterance into it. What has to happen is that you develop a comprehensive technique and then say, forget that. I’m just going to be expressive through the piano.

It’s difficult for me to dislike an artist, no matter what he’s creating.

To get the music the way you want it, there’s a lot of work involved.

I have to be a star like another man has to breathe.

A musician’s responsibility is to get as much of his art across to the public as possible.

I am famous because I am an African American jazz artist.

Jazz came to America three hundred years ago in chains.

There’s so many ways you can hit one note.

I would like you to know, I am a doctor of music.

The majority of people mistakenly feel they don’t need a live musical experience.

My fans are the best in the world! They’ve grown up with me and stayed with me through this entire journey.

I’m not much on gimmicks. I never have been because they don’t last.

I can count on one hand the number of instrumental hits there have been over the last 10 years.

Anytime you strike the drums, you have to be aware that you’re creating a musical event.

In this era it’s harder for musicians to get together, … Back in the ’80s, we were all at the clubs, you ran into people all the time. Now, everybody’s kind of in their own room with their computers. I use making an album as an opportunity to connect with musicians.

[On Louis Armstrong] You can’t play nothing on modern trumpet that doesn’t come from him, not even modern shit. I can’t even remember a time when he sounded bad playing the trumpet. Never. Not even one time. He had great feeling up in his playing and he always played on the beat. I just loved the way he played and sang.