Denver Jazz Fest Presents: Eric Gunnison Bill Evan - Blue in Green

“ . . . such an integral part of the jazz scene in Denver that imagining it without him is virtually impossible.” —Colorado Music Hall of Fame

Experience an intimate evening of profound jazz as Denver’s celebrated pianist Eric Gunnison performs a solo concert dedicated to the enduring musical legacy of the late Bill Evans. Gunnison, a stalwart of the Denver jazz scene and a musician with international acclaim, has long shared a deep artistic affinity with Evans — one of the most influential pianists in jazz history.

In this special concert, Gunnison explores the subtle, lyrical, and harmonically rich world that Evans created during his seminal association with Miles Davis in the late ’50s. This fertile collaboration resulted in classic recordings such as the Jazz at the Plaza volumes, Birth of the Blue, and the best-selling jazz album of all time, Kind of Blue.

Known for his tenure with jazz legend Carmen McRae and countless other icons, Gunnison applies his masterful technique and expressive sensitivity to explore Evans’ nuanced style and deep lyricism, drawing from compositions from those classic Miles Davis albums including compositions and signature arrangements by Evans and Davis. Gunnison’s own playing draws comparisons with Evans’ distinctive touch and vision: a blend of introspective melancholy, crystalline clarity, and deep swing. This is a rare opportunity to hear one jazz master pay tribute to another, offering a heartfelt and virtuosic journey into the essence of the art of Bill Evans.

Eric Gunnison: piano

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