Interview with Mundell Lowe about Bill Evans

Bill Evans began piano lessons at the age of six and also studied violin and flute. He studied at the Southeastern Louisiana College (later named University) in Hammond. Guitarist Mundell Lowe encouraged Bill Evans to go to New York. In 1955, with 75 dollars in his pocket. His early gigs were with Mundell Lowe, Red Mitchell, and Tony Scott. From 1955 he recorded as a sideman numerous albums. In 1956 he signed with the Riverside label of Orrin Keepnews and Bill Grauer with the mediation of Mundell Lowe. Just a few days before his death, Bill Evans appeared on the Merv Griffin Show.

[@AngeloPetrino69]

Bill Evans was so unique, I always get goosebumps whenever I listen to his wonderful music.

[@RanBlakePiano]

today is not yesterday I’ll never forget Perri and Bill s brothers

[@tomsilver7191]

@@RanBlakePiano Who was Perri?

[@RanBlakePiano]

@@tomsilver7191 a young lady he dated inn1958/.think he dedicated periscope to her

[@burtmantooth8913]

I took some lessons from Mr Lowe. It’s hard to imagine that I got to hear stories like this from a man that played with Charlie Parker and Bill Evans. He was truly an American treasure.

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

So glad I got to hear Mandel play one last time before he left us. Thanks for posting this.

[@RanBlakePiano]

And I studied with him all too briefly for three lessons the summer of 1958 george Schuller I.e, Lenox School of Jazz

[@rnethercutt]

Just recalled that the interviewer is Hanns E. Petrick, author of "BILL EVANS - Sein Leben, Seine Musick, Seine Schallplatten" published by Oreos Verlag in 1989 (in German) I supplied several photos of Bill, comments about his time at Southeastern and even a letter his sent one of his music teachers at the University.

[@rnethercutt]

Rob, great photos with Mundell's interview. First class presentation.

[@sergiosaraceni2633]

Always a great joy and privilege to watch people talking about the unique Bill Evans.

[@lacotroppavieratroppova8147]

EXCELLENT.....

[@robrijn]

Thanks Ron for your additional information!

[@redhairedstepchild]

very interesting , the first I had heard that Bill studied flute, he was booked at fat Tuesdays jazz club in nyc the week he died in 1980 , I had just moved to nyc .

[@fioredecor222]

Wonderful interview!

[@terrywho22]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[@rnethercutt]

Another great work Rob....great use of photos to accompany the conversation interviews. I am trying to think who the person
interview Mundell is It may be on of the individuals that was with Arte France. We spoke a few times on the phone and met in New York to discuss Bill. Mundell and I visited a few time at the NAJE/IAJE conventions and he told me the same stories as on this interview. BTW, SLC (Southeastern Louisiana College) became SLU (Southeastern Louisiana I think in the late 60s or early 70s. The trio of Bill Evansand, Red Mitchell, and Mundell was a wonderful unit....Later Andre Previn recorded several releases with Red Mithchll and Mundell Lowe.

[@BrianGrantJazz]

Great interview!

[@klavier1us]

The interviewer sound like he's pepping material for a biography. It would be great if someone had and could post Bills entire Merv Griffin appearance. Thanks for the post!

[@julianmanjarres1998]

I've been dying to see the whole thing!

[@pallhe]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

[@stuartdryer1352]

Great video.

[@pierrechaouat]

Just wondering if Bill Evans had played some jazz guitar...