The composer of this beautiful jazz standard is Bill Evans. Personally one of my favorite American jazz pianists and composers. Evans is born in New Jersey and known for one of the most influential figures of the post-bop jazz piano in the 20th century. Bill's discography is rich with over fifty albums. He received 31 Grammy nominations of which he won five of them. Because of his significant global influence (especially in the jazz music), in the world is created a school of "Bill Evans style" or pianists that are inspired by him and his work. His influence is not just on the sound of the jazz piano. Evans became a great example and inspiration for all generations after him (in a very different variety of genres). He was a modest person especially at the start of his early career; Bill even believed that his talent in not good enough, so he has to make up with hard work.
After writing the musical piece "Waltz for Debby," (around 1953) it has become a jazz standard, and the is considered as one of the most beautiful jazz standards in the World. "Waltz for Debby" is inspired and dedicated to his young and little niece. Gene Lees write the song's lyrics. I would say that this song is a masterful blend of classical and jazz elements, and one of the rear compositions that can be written as a classical piece with rich harmony and excellent voicings. The are a lot of performances by many artists, but my favorite one is the version sung by Tony Bennett accompanied by Bill Evans on piano.
At the age of 12, while playing with his brother, he created a unique phrase on 3 chords (Db-D-F) in the key of Bb and he said in an interview,
"It was such a thrill. It sounded right and good, and it wasn't written, and I had done it. The idea of doing something in music that somebody hadn't thought of opened a whole new world to me."
