Legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans was one of those people who, tragically, left us all too soon … but left behind a body of work that has become a benchmark for future generations of young pianists. When you say the word “piano” you might as well just say “Bill Evans” because they are synonymous. The only criticism I’ve heard of Bill is that he didn’t have “chops” … obviously uttered by someone who may have heard him play, but didn’t really listen.  Forming the trio on Miles Davis’ Nardis (top), as well as on How My Heart Sings (middle), and Gershwin’s classic Summertime (bottom) is Bill Evans playing piano, Larry Bunker on drums and Chuck Israels on bass.