When I first learned how Bill Evans refused to divulge his pianistic secrets to another player because he feared this would deprive that person of the enormously pleasurable and perilous experience of developing a personal approach, I thought it was an excuse, and Bill was being miserly.

Now, that impression has changed drastically.

All it really takes is to actually spend consistent time playing the piano, together with nurturing one's musical spirit and knowledge through listening to music with creative substance serving as an example, to see that Evans was not joking.

Most recently, reflecting on the Distanced album, the influence of Lennie Tristano, the teacher of my primary jazz teacher, Lee Konitz, has arisen. 

Jocelyn is the person who first asked me to play standards for her and her daughter Francine Robbins once a week after Jocelyn requested it, a custom that began my pianistic explorations, including her most kind encouragement.

I only played standards for her, this being her favorite music. Sometimes she sang along and often tapped along too.

Jocelyn would have turned 100 this coming year, coincidently born on March 11 like myself.

She is entirely responsible for bringing this musical realm into my life together with Barney Bragin while the advise of Bill Evans has provided a compass.

- Michael Eric Robinson Longhi, February 2025, Kula Maui Hawaii

© 2025 by Michael Robinson All rights reserved

Michael Robinson Longhi is a Los Angeles-based composer, pianist, and musicologist. His over 200 albums include over 150 albums for meruvina and over 50 albums of piano improvisations. He has performed and lectured at various American churches, universities, colleges, NPR, Pacifica, college, and community radio stations, high schools, elementary schools and community centers including all over the world online.