Find it out by yourself

I often think about something Bill Evans, one of the most influential jazz pianists of all time, said to his brother, Harry, in what must have been one of those quiet, profound moments siblings share.

Harry, an accomplished pianist, wanted his brother to explain to him how to gain such a deep understanding of jazz. In other words, how to play as well as Bill himself.

He told Harry that if he figured something out on his own, it would be far more meaningful than if Bill simply handed him the answer.

Imagine that: one of the greatest musical minds of his generation holding back, not out of indifference but out of immense respect for the power of discovery. It’s not hard to see why this stuck with me. There’s something incredibly human about the idea. We all know the feeling of an "aha" moment, that spark of connection when a puzzle piece we’ve been searching for clicks into place.

Evans was right—those moments are unforgettable.

In jazz, this philosophy is everything. Musicians don’t just learn from textbooks or lessons; they learn by throwing themselves into the unknown. They listen deeply, stumble, experiment, and try again. That’s how Evans found his lush harmonies, those voicings that feel like they’re embracing you. Nobody told him, “Play it this way.” He discovered it himself, and because of that, every note feels alive, deeply personal.

But Evans’s insight isn’t just about music. It’s about how we approach life. In a world that loves shortcuts and quick fixes, he reminds us that the journey matters—that struggling, failing, and eventually finding our way is what shapes us. When we discover something on our own, we own it. It becomes a part of who we are.

Thinking about Bill Evans’s words has made me pause and reconsider how I tackle challenges. Instead of looking for the easiest way forward, I’ve started asking myself: What can I learn by figuring this out for myself?

It’s not always easy, but when the answer comes, it’s worth it every time.

Evans’s legacy—his music, his wisdom—continues to inspire me to keep searching, keep learning, and, above all, keep playing.

Some time ago I composed a short piano piece for Bill Evans, called Spectre Dance. You can listen to it at the top of my Piano Peace playlist by clicking here.

Enjoy, and have a great day.

Claudio.