Bill Evans' Beautiful Love Take 2 Transcription: An Insight into His Approach

In this exclusive interview, pianist 'Name' shares his insights on how he approaches music transcription and improvisation. When asked about playing with a bass line, he notes that Bill Evans was meticulous in crafting his melodies, always seeking to create something unique and unpredictable.

Iverson: Do you work out your fingerings early on, or keep experimenting?

'Name': So you’ve changed harmonic center in the process of playing what you thought was a simple scale so you can’t take your eyes off the music. Working on the fingering puts you in a hypnotic state, playing the same phrase down one half step at a time or down a scale, and you’re doing the same fingering but it isn’t the same fingering, depending on how many black keys are involved.

The conversation then turns to his experience with classical music, particularly the works of Bach. 'Name' reveals that working on Bach’s compositions has helped him develop finger dexterity and control, allowing him to approach jazz improvisation from a new perspective.

Iverson: So, at one point, going between jazz and classical felt like more of an embouchure change than it does now? Is it beginning to even out?

'Name': Because by the time I do the finger-work that Bach requires, and the control thing, my fingers are ready to be completely out-of-control and in-control at the same time. But! I thought I was going to shelve the Bach, but now I’m playing the Bach, and for the last twenty-five minutes I do the other thing and it works very well.

'Name' also talks about his practice routine, revealing that he has developed a consistent daily piano-playing habit since recovering from illness. He emphasizes the importance of regularly practicing and erasing old habits to make way for new ones.

Iverson: Do you play the piano every day?

'Name': Yes, I do. And sometimes I have to slowly erase one thing and move towards another. It really depends on what I am working towards or away from or both.

Bill evans beautiful love take 2 transcription