In the late 1970s legendary pianist Bill Evans, one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, was at the peak of his career. He revolutionized the jazz trio (bass, piano, drums) by giving each part equal emphasis in what jazz historian Ted Gioia called a “telepathic level” of interplay. It was an ideal opportunity for a sideman, and after auditioning in 1978, Joe La Barbera was ecstatic when he was offered the drum chair, completing the trio with Evans and bassist Marc Johnson.
In Times Remembered, La Barbera and coauthor Charles Levin provide an intimate fly-on-the-wall peek into Evans’ life, critical recording sessions, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes of life on the road. Joe regales the trio’s magical connection, a group that quickly gelled to play music on the deepest and purest level imaginable. He also watches his dream gig disappear, a casualty of Evans’ historical drug abuse when the pianist dies in a New York hospital emergency room in 1980. But La Barbera tells this story with love and respect, free of judgment, showing Evans’ humanity and uncanny ability—even in his final days—to transcend physical weakness and deliver first-rate performances at nearly every show.
The book is published by University of North Texas Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.
"An informative first-hand read about a beautiful and tragic subject." (Jazzwax)
"Offers readers exceptional insights into the world of Bill Evans and his fellow performers." (All About Jazz)
“The perfect book on jazz to be published at the perfect time.” (Bruce Klauber, author of World of Gene Krupa)
(Tags : Times Remembered: The Final Years of the Bill Evans Trio (Unabridged) Joe LaBarbera, Charles Levin & Hal Miller - foreword Audiobook, Joe LaBarbera, Charles Levin & Hal Miller - foreword Audio CD )