Group to remember jazz giant Bill Evans

SCOTTSDALE - Bill Evans might not be a household name, but the late pianist is a towering figure in jazz.

From his early days as respected sideman in the 1950s, through his own trio in the '60s and '70s, he influenced countless jazz musicians, from legends like Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea through modern innovators like Brad Mehldau and Bruce Hornsby.

Evans died of drug addiction and health problems in 1980, but on Sunday, local jazz faves Bob Ravenscroft and his band Inner Journeys will perform a special tribute at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center.

To get ready for the show, here is some essential listening from Evans' massive oeuvre:

• Kind of Blue - Miles Davis' 1959 offering is the most important jazz album of the 20th century, so it seems natural that Evans had something to do with it. He was part of Davis' band for a mere eight months, but his tune Blue in Green is one of the cornerstones of this landmark recording.

• Sunday at the Village Vanguard - Evans' first, and arguably finest, trio, is captured on a hot night at the legendary jazz club in 1961. Drummer Paul Motian and bassist Scott LaFaro aren't merely backup players - the interplay among the trio is inspired. Sadly, this was the last the three would play together. LaFaro was killed in a car accident 10 days later.

• Conversations with Myself - For this 1963 solo album, Evans employed some studio wizardry, overdubbing three separate piano parts. The result is amazing interplay and unique versions of standards like Stella By Starlight and Bemsha Swing.

• The Bill Evans Album - This 1971 side features Evans dabbling with electric piano, a first. The album features updated takes on some of his classic tunes, including Waltz for Debby and Twelve Tone Tune.

• The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album - Evans joined the legendary crooner for this unadorned, strictly piano and vocal, collection of jazz standards. Initially conceived as a showcase for Bennett's voice, Evans contributions to this set are so important he is credited as a collaborator rather than accompanist.

• We Will Meet Again - Evans' last session recorded in 1979, finds the pianist fronting a quintet, a rarity for the musician who was best known for his trio work.