Bill Evans

I went through a lot of mental pains and anguish about choosing between jazz and classical. I realized that where I functioned was where I should be, and where I functioned was in jazz, so that was it.

Jazz is not a what, it is a how.

A guy is influenced by hundreds of people and things, and all show up in his work. To fasten on any one or two is ridiculous. I will say one thing, though. Lennie Tristano’s early records impressed me tremendously. Tunes like ‘Tautology,’ ‘Marshmallow,’ and ‘Fishin’ Around.’ I heard the fellows in his group building their lines with a design and general structure that was different from anything I’d ever heard in jazz.

It bugs me when people try to analyze Jazz as an intellectual theorem. It’s not, it’s feeling.

Jazz music has always been a place where anything is possible.

Art should teach spirituality by showing a person a portion of himself that he would not discover otherwise.

The greatest thing about music is putting it out there for people to figure out.

Don’t bullshit, just play.

I cannot play a lie. I have to believe in what I play or it won’t come out.

Man, if you gotta ask you’ll never know.

Look for the one who’s not smiling and play to that person. Once you’ve got that person, you’ve got the whole club.

I discovered very early that it wasn’t quite enough for me to imitate people.

I’m going to be on the road for the rest of my life.

It’s up to the individual to keep up with the times.

Music should always be an adventure.

Musicians tell me, if what I’m doing is right, they should never have gone to school.

I never wanted to be like other blues singers. I might like hearing them play, but I’ve never wanted to be anyone other than myself. There are a few people that I’ve wished I could play like, but when I tried, it didn’t work.

All that I’ve played, all that I’ve sung, I couldn’t have done any other way.

It’s the same for listeners. If you can’t stand your girlfriend, can’t take it anymore, put on your headphones and escape into another world.

There’s a category for me. I like to be referred to as a good singer of good songs in good taste.

Music activates the brain at a high level.