POETIC IMPROVISATION: THE TRACE OF BILL EVANS IN THE MUSICAL SPACE OF JAZZ

Abstract

The relevance of the article. The role of Bill Evans in the development of jazz music cannot be overstated. His work not only shaped new approaches to harmony but also served as a foundation for an entire generation of musicians who continue to reinterpret his legacy. In the contemporary musical world, where harmonic experimentation and genre synthesis are becoming increasingly relevant, the study of Evans’s work retains both academic value and practical significance. The purpose of the article. Despite numerous studies on Bill Evans’s work, his role in shaping the harmonic style of modern jazz pianists remains insufficiently explored. In particular, it is essential to examine how his approaches to rhythmic freedom, the use of modulations, and extended harmonies have influenced the performance practices of subsequent generations. The methodology. Among the notable works dedicated to Bill Evans, Peter Pettinger’s biography «Bill Evans: How My Heart Sings» (1998) stands out for its in-depth exploration of the musician’s life and creative journey. This book focuses on the technical aspects of Evans’s playing, unveiling his harmonic innovations, the influence of classical music, and the unique characteristics of his improvisational style. Similarly, Michael Pelz’s work «The Pianistic Innovations of Bill Evans» (2003) investigates Evans’s pianistic contributions, particularly his use of open voicings, modal harmony, and innovative approaches to ensemble interaction.However, the majority of existing publications concentrate on the technical mastery of the musician, often neglecting his broader influence on contemporary performers. In this context, Ted Gioia’s «The History of Jazz» (2011) and Ashley Kahn’s «Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece» (2000) provide valuable insights into the historical context of Evans’s work, particularly his role in shaping modal jazz and transforming the cultural space of jazz in the mid-20th century.Additionally, the transcription collection «Bill Evans Omnibook: For Piano» (2018) is an essential resource for studying his repertoire in academic settings. Numerous articles in leading jazz publications such as DownBeat and JazzTimes offer unique interviews, album reviews, and analyses of Evans’s work, which have formed the basis for understanding his musical legacy.Furthermore, the documentary «Bill Evans: Time Remembered» (2016) provides an intimate look at the musician’s philosophy, personal life, and contributions to the world of jazz, emphasizing his creative heritage as a source of inspiration for future generations.Thus, contemporary studies and publications present a multifaceted view of Bill Evans’s legacy. However, they only partially highlight his influence on modern musicians, which is the primary focus of this article. Conclusions. Bill Evans’s harmonic innovations laid the foundation for the modernization of jazz improvisation. His style seamlessly integrated classical traditions into contemporary jazz, creating a new performance ideal. Evans’s work continues to serve as a source of inspiration for modern musicians, driving the evolution of jazz artistry. The practical significance. Possible directions for further research include exploring Evans’s influence on non-academic jazz schools as well as on electronic music, which increasingly incorporates jazz harmonic structures.