Bill Evans

William D. Evans (born February 9, 1958) is an American jazz saxophonist, who was a member of the Miles Davis group in the 1980s and has since led several of his own bands, including Push and Soulgrass. Evans plays tenor and soprano saxophones. He has recorded over 27 solo albums and received two Grammy Award nominations. He recorded an album called Bill Evans – Vans Joint with the WDR Big Band in 2009.

He has played a variety of music with his solo projects, including bluegrass, jazz, and funk. His early influences on saxophone were Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Steve Grossman, and Dave Liebman.

Biography Evans was born in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, United States.

Co-leader with Hank Jones, Red Mitchell Moods Unlimited (Paddle Wheel, 1983) – rec. 1982

Co-leader with Randy Brecker, Robben Ford and Tom Scott Echoes of Ellington Vol. 1 (Verve, 1987) Echoes of Ellington Vol. 2 (Verve, 1988)

Co-leader with Victor Bailey, Dennis Chambers, Mitch Forman and Chuck Loeb Petite Blonde (Lipstick, 1992) – live

Co-leader with Andy LaVerne, John Patitucci and Steve Davis Modern Days and Nights: Music of Cole Porter (Double-Time, 1997)

Co-leader with Randy Brecker Soul Bop Band Live (BHM, 2005)

Co-leader with Robben Ford The Sun Room (Ear, 2019) Common Ground (13J Productions, 2020)

As a member Elements Elements (Philo, 1982) Forward Motion (Antilles, 1984) Blown Away (Passport, 1986) Illumination (Novus, 1988) Liberal Arts (RCA, 1989) Spirit River (RCA, 1990)

Steps Ahead Steppin' Out with WDR Big Band (Jazzline, 2016)

As sideman With Victor Bailey Bottom's Up (Atlantic, 1989) Low Blow (ESC, 1999) That's Right (ESC, 2001)

With Miles Davis The Man with the Horn (Columbia, 1981) We Want Miles (Columbia, 1982) Star People (Columbia, 1983) Decoy (Columbia, 1984)

With Mark Egan A Touch of Light (GRP, 1988) Beyond Words (Bluemoon, 1991) Freedom Town (Wavetone, 2001) Truth Be Told (Wavetone, 2010)

With Michael Franks Skin Dive (Warner Bros., 1985) The Camera Never Lies (Warner Bros., 1987)

With Jeff Golub Unspoken Words (Gaia, 1988) Avenue Blue Featuring Jeff Golub (Bluemoon, 1994) Nightlife (Bluemoon, 1997)

With Danny Gottlieb Aquamarine (Atlantic, 1987) Whirlwind (Atlantic, 1989)

With Chuck Loeb Life Colors (DMP, 1990) Mediterranean (DMP, 1993)

With Mandoki Soulmates People in Room No. 8 (PolyGram, 1997) Out of Key with the Time (Sony, 2002) Soulmates (Paroli, 2002) Aquarelle (Neo, 2009)

With Lee Ritenour Alive in L.A. (GRP, 1997) This Is Love (i.e. Music, 1998)

With Aziza Mustafa Zadeh Dance of Fire (Columbia, 1995) Inspiration (Columbia, 2000)

With others Mahavishnu (John McLaughlin), Mahavishnu (Warner,1984) Andy Summers, Charming Snakes (Private Music, 1990) Gianfranco Continenza, The Past Inside The Present (ESC, 2007) Wolfgang Haffner, Dream Band Live In Concert (ACT, 2022)