Bill Evans' Transcription of 'Danny Boy': A Harmonic Masterclass

When it comes to jazz piano transcriptions, few are as revered as those by the late Bill Evans. His unique harmonic approach and elegant phrasing have made his recordings a staple of jazz education for decades. One such transcription that showcases his mastery is his version of the traditional Irish song, 'Danny Boy.' In this article, we'll delve into the harmony and structure behind Evans' iconic arrangement.

To begin with, I decided to write the transcription in a time signature of 2/4, which allows for a more straightforward and accessible approach. I started by sketching out a melody transcription of the first chorus from his recording, simply to get a sense of the harmonizations he chose and to inform my own arrangement of another folk tune for Burns Night here in Scotland.

One of the key elements that make Evans' arrangement stand out is his use of turnarounds. These clever harmonic devices allow him to seamlessly transition between chords and create a sense of continuity throughout the piece. There are two families of turnarounds at play: those that get us from chord I (or III) back to chord I, and those that get us from chord I to chord IV and back to I – what we might call the 'IV 'n' Back' family.

Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, it becomes clear that Evans is relying on just two harmonic concepts to harmonize 'Danny Boy.' These concepts are deceptively simple yet incredibly effective, making this song an ideal candidate for exploring different keys and reharmonization.

The second recording of 'Danny Boy' is a longer and more expansive take, clocking in at almost 11 minutes. It features Evans soloing over the harmony and explores a range of keys, including some unexpected choices. Unfortunately, this version is not available on the Spotify version of the album Time Remembered, but it can be found as an additional track on the CD release.

In addition to his work on 'Danny Boy,' Bill Evans recorded the song once through in two keys (Bb and G) for his 1962 Empathy album. This shorter take is a great example of how he was able to distill the essence of the melody down to its simplest form while still maintaining his trademark harmonic sophistication.

For those looking to reharmonize 'Danny Boy' themselves, Evans' arrangement provides a wealth of inspiration. The underlying harmony is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal candidate for exploration and reimagining. Feel free to add as much or as little complexity as you like – the beauty of Evans' arrangement lies in its ability to balance simplicity with sophistication.

For me, Bill Evans' version of 'Danny Boy' has always been a source of fascination. His unique approach to harmony and his ability to craft beautiful, singing melodies have made him one of my favorite pianists. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or simply looking for inspiration, this transcription is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and musical exploration.

Bill evans danny boy transcription