José Alberto Medina, Tribute to Bill Evans

×

Expand

Bill Evans (1929-1980) was one of the most influential pianists in the history of jazz; a “poet,” according to writer Gene Less—lyricist of "Waltz for Debbie"—for the beautiful melodic constructions he made, among other merits. Few did as much for the 88-key instrument as Bill Evans did, with genius contributions such as his involvement in the iconic album Kind of Blue (1959) by Miles Davis, and his magnificent solo works, where he elevated the art of the piano trio.

His legacy is indelible and continues to inspire musicians worldwide today. A prime example is José Alberto Medina, who considers Bill Evans one of his main influences. Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1979, Medina was one of the pillars of the young talent that exalted the Barcelona scene in the early 21st century. Versatile and multifaceted, he has released ten solo albums—some of them with the celebrated J.A.M. Trio—and 25 more as a collaborator. As a sideman, he has worked with Sheila Jordan, Dick Oatts, Jerry González, Jorge Pardo and Ginesa Ortega. He is also the founder of the cultural center La Fábrica La Isleta (Las Palmas), the Borondón Big Band and events such as El Mundo en un Piano.

A concert in the 2024 edition of the Mas i Mas Music Festival.

Sounds of the City: Summer Music Festivals

What are your plans for summer? If you’re staying in the city, you won’t be alone. Barcelona is becoming a go-to destination for festival lovers, given Catalunya’s covetable combination of culture, great weather and an increasingly diverse concert circuit. So if you’re looking to expand your horizons while staying put this season, check out our article Sounds of the City: Summer Music Festivals for a summary of the summer music events taking place in Barcelona, from big-name gatherings to boutique takeovers.

For more music events check our online events calendar.