[PERFORMANCE INTRODUCTION]
Eddie Gomez, the last surviving bassist of the Bill Evans Trio
A special performance commemorating the 60th anniversary of first meeting Bill Evans and the years that followed
Eddie Gomez, a master of bass who has performed in diverse styles across various genres from traditional jazz to free jazz, fusion, and Latin music. Among Eddie Gomez's career, which has included collaborations with numerous legendary musicians both as a leader and sideman, his most notable work is undoubtedly his tenure with the Bill Evans Trio, which laid the foundation for modern jazz piano with its lyrical pianist Bill Evans. First meeting Bill Evans in 1966, he performed with the Bill Evans Trio for 11 years until 1977, making him the longest-serving member on record. He created numerous masterpieces with Bill Evans, and notably, among Bill Evans's entire discography, there are only 3 bass and duo albums, all of which are collaborations with Eddie Gomez—a testament to Bill Evans's absolute trust in him.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the historic first meeting between Eddie Gomez and Bill Evans. Upon the recommendation of guitarist Jim Hall, Eddie Gomez first met Bill Evans on April 12, 1966, at the London House in Chicago. After a two-week trial period, they embarked on a tour throughout various cities in the western United States starting in May. The Bill Evans Trio's
, released last year, captures a live performance in Seattle in 1966—Eddie Gomez's first recording with Bill Evans and a significant milestone marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Bill Evans Trio. With early bassist Scott LaFaro, second-period member Chuck Israels, and Eddie Gomez representing the third era, the Bill Evans Trio evolved with new energy and direction. In this context, 1966 holds special significance as a turning point for this great trio.
Meanwhile, this performance will feature key repertoire from the Bill Evans Trio—including Nardis, My Foolish Heart, My Man's Gone Now, All the Things You Are, and I Will Wait for You—as well as Solar, selected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis's birth. Additionally, with the participation of pianist Stéphane Calson, commemorating his 30th year with the Eddie Gomez Trio, and drummer Steve Pruitt, the early drummer of Snarky Puppy who delivered delicate yet dynamic performances at the 2024 Seoul Forest Jazz Festival, this performance will showcase the master's distinguished stature through refined and lyrical playing. Taking place at Verrious Jazz Club, Daegu's finest jazz venue offering intimate viewing pleasure, this performance is an absolute must-see for any Bill Evans fan, providing a rare opportunity to witness a living jazz legend in person.