Piano Performer Magazine If Bill Evans Is Not There
by Gerard Garrigan (MGBH)
Art by Merryl Jaye (MGBH)
Heaven – that it is,
I am quite, quite sure,
But of all its varied qualities,
Its many marking characteristics,
Well, that’s so far above, beyond
The tiny mind that I was issued
Heaven? I don’t claim to know exactly where
It is, or what its population is
But of this, there’s nothing about which
I am or ever, ever will be more sure
Bill Evans is reliably, quite undeniably
There, wherever where is, there is heaven
And if Bill Evans is not there,
It can’t be heaven, and I ain’t goin’ there,
Ain’t no way in hell I’m goin’ there.
Bill Evans was “There” while he was playing.
And, yes, he is praying.
Such a beautiful tribute. I was not familiar with Bill Evan’s work until now. He obviously had a tremendous talent. Thank you, Gerard, for introducing me to his work.
This is really really cool Fr. Gerard – so wonderfully put!