Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Saxophone great Bill Evans is heading back to Australia this October with his VansBand Allstars, bringing a dynamic mix of contemporary jazz, soul and funk shaped by decades of musical exploration and collaboration. Speaking with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips, Evans reflected warmly on his long history with Australia, recalling an extensive tour roughly 25 years ago that left such an impression he even considered relocating, drawn to the lifestyle, scenery and welcoming audiences.
For this upcoming run, Evans will be joined by a formidable lineup featuring Keith Carlock on drums, George Whitty on keys and rising Chilean bassist Pablo Contreras. Evans describes the group as a perfect fit for his current musical direction, praising Carlock's feel and versatility, qualities that have also made him a favourite of artists like Sting and Donald Fagen. The inclusion of Contreras, a relatively unknown but highly expressive young player, adds fresh energy to the ensemble.
NOTE: The Bill Evans & The Vansband Allstars tour Australia in October 2026 has now been cancelled
#australianmusician #billevans
Saxophone great Bill Evans is heading back to Australia this October with his VansBand Allstars, bringing a dynamic mix of contemporary jazz, soul and funk shaped by decades of musical exploration and collaboration. Speaking with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips, Evans reflected warmly on his long history with Australia, recalling an extensive tour roughly 25 years ago that left such an impression he even considered relocating, drawn to the lifestyle, scenery and welcoming audiences.
For this upcoming run, Evans will be joined by a formidable lineup featuring Keith Carlock on drums, George Whitty on keys and rising Chilean bassist Pablo Contreras. Evans describes the group as a perfect fit for his current musical direction, praising Carlock's feel and versatility, qualities that have also made him a favourite of artists like Sting and Donald Fagen. The inclusion of Contreras, a relatively unknown but highly expressive young player, adds fresh energy to the ensemble.
NOTE: The Bill Evans & The Vansband Allstars tour Australia in October 2026 has now been cancelled
#australianmusician #billevans
