Bill Evans: How My Heart Sings

Pettinger's detailed biography of Bill Evans, Bill Evans: How My Heart Sings, remains the best read (and, surprisingly, one of the few) for those interested in the music of one of the most influential jazz pianists. Pettinger, reared in the classical tradition, provides numerous commentary on classical influences in Evans's music and style while also appreciating the value of jazz and improvisation (though there's certainly some elements of classical elitism at play). Nonetheless, Pettinger makes some odd statements throughout the book on Evans's Russian ancestors from the Ukraine, as if there is a 'Russian' or Eastern European classical style embedded in his genes or lineage that helps elucidate his style. There is also an odd claim in which Coltrane allegedly felt that Evans didn't belong in Miles's group because he was the sole white, which does not sound like something Coltrane would have believed, at least from the interviews and biographies I have encountered. 

Nevertheless, as an overview of the various incarnations of the trio and the transformations of his music, Pettinger's priceless, particularly for the commentary on various recordings, integrating interviews, jazz critics, and oral histories into the story quite well. For someone like myself who is not well-trained in music theory, Pettinger's coverage of the specific recordings of, for example, the Eddie Gomez years in Bill's trio, are informative and assist in guiding the reader as one explores the discography. The reader will appreciate Eddie Gomez, Scott LaFaro, Evans's brother, and the role of women in his life for shaping Evan's work. Now, I must read Thomas Hardy (Evans's favorite noveliest) and listen to more jazz piano trios beyond my usual fare (McCoy Tyner, Nat King Cole, Monk, Bud, Garner, etc.) for other influences on Evans or his impact on the genre. For those expecting a lurid biography going into great detail the various drug addictions of Evans or an in-depth analysis of, for example, the social context or issues of gender and race, this biography may disappoint, but readers eager for a guide of sorts to the music, Pettinger's quite useful.