Bill Evans

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

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

If you take the time and your talent is real, it will last.

Jazz is a mental attitude rather than a style. It uses a certain process of the mind expressed spontaneously through some musical instrument. I’m concerned with retaining that process.

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

Talent is cheap, and many talents treat themselves cheaply.

The reward for playing Jazz is playing Jazz.

If a player is pushing their ability, a certain amount of failure is inevitable. Maybe even desirable.

You must surrender whatever preconceptions you have about music if you’re really interested in it.

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.

Good music is good music and everything else can go to hell.

I think that what is important is that the music be honest and direct and that it is relevant to today.

Three months. I was playing the organ for three months. It was a challenge for me in the beginning.

You can’t listen to what people who aren’t musical have to say. When Anytime was released, I had bad reviews, and at first I was hurt. Your songs are like your children. You don’t want to hear, ‘Your kid is ugly.’ But I knew the record was good and it would sell.

It’s not exclusive, but inclusive, which is the whole spirit of jazz.

I don’t know what they’re thinking about. Just because someone says, ‘I like what you do’ or something: They might like it today and tomorrow they might not. I’ve had that experience with record companies.

The people who really got me off were dealing with the musical potential of their instrument.

For years the Trio did nothing but play for musicians and other hip people. We practically starved to death.

The louder they [the band] play the softer I sing.

They’re not particular about whether you’re playing a flatted fifth or a ruptured 129th as long as they can dance to it.

After the music is over it’s gone in the air. You can never capture it again.