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.
NOTE: The Bill Evans & The Vansband Allstars tour Australia in October 2026 has now been cancelled
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.
Check out Greg Phillips’ discussion with Bill Evans below
MORE ABOUT THE INTERVIEW AND TOUR
The band’s repertoire for the October Australian tour will centre around material from Evans’ 2024 album Who I Am, a deeply personal release that marked a turning point creatively. After a period of writer’s block, Evans found inspiration by asking himself what he would compose if it were his final record. The result was a collection of music that felt instinctive and emotionally direct, helping define his current artistic identity. The album also features contributions from bass virtuoso Victor Wooten, whom Evans praises not only for his musicianship but also for his philosophical approach to creativity.
Evans’ approach to live performance remains focused on connection and accessibility. He aims to engage both seasoned listeners and newcomers, often opening shows with energetic, attention-grabbing pieces rather than ballads. While rooted in jazz, he prefers to think beyond genre labels, describing his sound as a blend of styles that evolves naturally based on what excites him creatively.
Reflecting on his formative years, Evans shared vivid memories of working with Miles Davis, highlighting the trumpeter’s humour and invaluable lessons in composition and restraint. From hands-on sessions at Davis’ New York apartment to discussions about melody and harmony, Evans credits these experiences with shaping his musical philosophy, particularly the idea that “less is more.”
Despite a career that has included opportunities with major acts, including turning down an offer to join The Rolling Stones, Evans has consistently prioritised artistic integrity over commercial gain. He views music as a lifelong pursuit of expression rather than a calculated career path, a mindset that continues to guide his decisions.
Outside of music, Evans embraces the touring lifestyle as an opportunity to explore. Whether hiking, visiting galleries or simply walking through cities like Melbourne, he makes a point of engaging with each location, something he feels many musicians overlook.
Looking ahead, Evans is already writing new material and considering recording during his Australian tour, potentially incorporating locally inspired compositions into a future release. He also recently contributed to a forthcoming anniversary album by Peter Frampton. With his “antennas always up,” he continues to evolve, bringing that sense of spontaneity and openness to both his recordings and live performances.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Thurs, Oct 1: The Concourse, Chatswood
Fri, Oct 2: Factory Theatre, Marrickville
Sat, Oct 3: The Gov, Adelaide
Su, Oct 4: Memo Music Hall, St Kilda
Wed, Oct 7: Astor Theatre, Perth
Fri, Oct 9: The Tivoli, Brisbane
Sun, Oct 11: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Tickets are on sale now!
