Bill Evans was born William John Evans in 1929 and was one of the most influential jazz pianists in history. His use of impressionist harmony, block chords, complex rhythms, and simultaneous improvisation of group members redefined groups, composition, and jazz pianists.

The Larry McDonough Quartet (LMQ) will feature the musical life of Bill Evans from beginning to end.

Jazz curator Steve Kenny called Larry the Bill Evans scholar of Minnesota. Larry grew up listening and transcribing Evans’ music, having seen his live performances in the 1970s. His shows and recordings feature the music of Evans. Larry has become friends with Evans’ widow Nenette, who supports Larry’s projects and provides him with some of Bill Evans’ manuscripts. Larry is the only Minnesotan invited to study the Bill Evans Archive at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies of Southeastern Louisiana University. Movie director Bruce Spiegel chose Larry to host Minnesota showings of his documentary film “Bill Evans Time Remembered.”

Larry recently released the double CD set “Alice in Stonehenge and other AcoustElectric Adventures” that includes “Alice in Wonderland,” based on the Evans’ arrangement; “Flamenco Sketches,” which Evans composed and performed with Davis on “Kind of Blue;” and “You Must Believe in Spring,” which Evans recorded with Tony Bennett. On the CD “Solitude, poetry in jazz,” Larry and saxophonist and poet Richard Terrill performed the Evans arrangement of “Some Other Time” along with Richard’s poem “Bill Evans.”

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LMQ will begin with the first known composition of Bill Evans, “Very Early,” from when he still was in music school at Southeastern Louisiana University. The first set will feature his compositions and performances from early in his career, including his most well-known tune, “Waltz for Debby” that he wrote for his young niece. The set will continue to the end of the 1950s, when he composed for and performed on the classic Miles Davis 1959 recording “Kind of Blue,” and the early 1960s when his trio with bassist Scott Lafaro and drummer Paul Motian created the form of simultaneous improvisation common in groups today, showcased on the 1961 recordings “Sunday at the Village Vanguard” and “Waltz for Debby.”

The second set follows the death of Lafaro and continues until Evans’ death in 1980. Selections include pieces from his collaborations with Jill Hall, Freddie Hubbard, Percy Heath, Philly Joe Jones, Stan Getz, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, Eddie Gomez, Marty Morell, Tony Bennett, Marc Johnson, and Joe LaBarbera.

Sax man and award-winning poet Richard Terrill will read original poetry about Evans. Larry will add his arrangement of Happy Birthday in the style of Evans.

Larry also will present a greeting from Nenette Evans and the Bill Evans Estate.

The Larry McDonough Quartet Official Website

Music 8-10pm

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$10 cover charge will be added to your tab.