Kaplan’s comment about Bill Evans’ lack of musical growth post-KOB confuses development and maturity with changes in style, structure, and overall sound. Although Bill maintained the trio format in performance until his death, a deep dive into his catalog will reveal all sorts of what he used to call “inner development.” Kaplan’s remark also doesn’t take into account such outlier works as Bill’s collaborations with George Russell (Living Time) and Claus Ogerman (Symbiosis.) Just because Bill didn’t push his music into outer realms of the avant garde or jazz fusion, doesn’t mean that he didn’t grow and achieve “deeper” levels as an artist.
Kaplan’s comment about Bill Evans’ lack of musical growth post-KOB confuses development and maturity with changes in style, structure, and overall sound. Although Bill maintained the trio format in performance until his death, a deep dive into his catalog will reveal all sorts of what he used to call “inner development.” Kaplan’s remark also doesn’t take into account such outlier works as Bill’s collaborations with George Russell (Living Time) and Claus Ogerman (Symbiosis.) Just because Bill didn’t push his music into outer realms of the avant garde or jazz fusion, doesn’t mean that he didn’t grow and achieve “deeper” levels as an artist.
Beautiful Vince! Love that we see the Kaplan so differently…looking forward to the next one!
You write about these books and jazz music well. All that really matters is how the music makes you feel, and you're certainly feeling it!