Pianist John Horler presents his tribute to Bill Evans, accompanied by long-time associate Alec Dankworth on bass – two British jazz greats paying their respects to Bill Evans and his groundbreaking piano trio.

The pianist for Sir John Dankworth – and accompanist for Dame Cleo Laine for 20 years – John has performed with the leading lights of modern jazz over his illustrious career including Art Farmer, Chet Baker, Zoot Sims, Maynard Ferguson, Ronnie Ross, Pete King, Kenny Wheeler, Tommy Whittle and Tony Coe.

Horler recognises Evans as the most influential figure in his playing, a jazz language which embraces Debussy, Ravel and Brahms; constantly surprising and inspiring him throughout his career.

This is a priceless opportunity to see one of Britain’s most acclaimed jazz pianists playing the music he loves – not to be missed.

As the saying goes: ‘everybody digs Bill Evans’.

Reviews

a) – “Who could resist the subtle blend of John Horler’s own ‘moonlight touch’, Alec Dankworth’s gorgeous bass and the magical textures conjured by Ronnie Jones’ fingertips on his cymbals?… One can only be thankful for the stroke of chance that brought them together and planted the seed of an idea to showcase John Horler’s world class talents…” …. “As one punter later remarked on his way out of the auditorium, ‘I knew John Horler was a good pianist, but I didn’t realise he was that good!’
Trevor Bannister, Jazz Mann blog: John Horler Trio: ‘A Tribute to Bill Evans’ Reading Jazz (Prospect Theatre), 4th March 2022. 5* review here.

b) – “Jazz and classical idioms live happily side by side in the benign and often surprising world of pianist and composer John Horler. It’s best not to try second-guessing him, just wait and enjoy what emerges.
‘Horler does what only the very best can do: he creates a version that is completely his own while also conveying the essence of the original.”
Dave Gelly, John Horler: Free and Easy review – Delights from Bach to Basie, (The Guardian, 15th July 2018).