Bill Evans Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Santa Claus Is Coming to TownBill Evans8rank/position

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” a piano arrangement by jazz master Bill Evans.

It’s the familiar holiday classic, but the quiet, sprightly piano phrases will set the mood for a sophisticated, adult Christmas.

There are many jazz covers of this tune, but Bill Evans’s arrangement is particularly outstanding.

Spartacs Love Theme-NardisBill Evans9rank/position

Bill Evans – Spartacus Love Theme – Nardis

It’s the theme song from the film Spartacus, and many artists have covered it.

This is Bill Evans performing it in a solo setting.

I feel the way he handles the rhythm is almost divine.

He also played it on What’s New in ’68, which is a collaboration with the uniquely individual flutist Jeremy Steig.

It’s striking how Evans leaves a quiet, shadow-like resonance in response to Steig’s fiery playing.

I’ll Remember AprilBill Evans10rank/position

I’ll Remember April

Bill Evans, known as a leading pianist in modern jazz, was strongly influenced by impressionist classical composers such as Debussy and Ravel.

Indeed, there’s something that connects Evans’s sound with Ravel’s.

A piece of his themed around spring is “I’ll Remember April.” It’s characterized by Evans’s signature stylish sound and a bright atmosphere that evokes the arrival of spring.

My Funny ValentineBill Evans11rank/position

My Funny Valentine

A masterpiece whose melancholy-soaked melody pierces the heart, “My Funny Valentine.” While many renowned performances feature vocals or trumpet weaving the tune in a conversational way, for a piano rendition I’d highlight Bill Evans’s version.

His nuanced push and pull, achieved through masterful control of touch and dynamics, is truly exceptional.

Skating in Central ParkBill Evans12rank/position

Skating In Central Park

A beautiful instrumental piece that resonates pleasantly on long winter nights.

The delicate soundscape woven by Bill Evans’s piano and Jim Hall’s guitar conjures images of people enjoying skating in Central Park.

Featured on the 1962 album Undercurrent, this work is perfect not only for jazz fans but also for anyone seeking a peaceful moment.

It’s especially lovely on a snowy night, listening in a warm room while gazing out the window.

The musical dialogue between Evans and Hall beautifully captures the stillness and beauty of winter.

SoirèeBill Evans13rank/position

Bill Evans – Soirèe

As an American jazz pianist, his performances, packed with classical and standard musical elements, have influenced many people.

Amid the stylish jazz, there’s also a somewhat melancholic impression.

I think it’s perfect for relaxing—listening alone at night in your room while having a drink.

You Must Believe In SpringBill Evans14rank/position

Bill Evans – You Must Believe In Spring (Official Audio)

Winter is cold and a difficult season to live through, so I imagine many people don’t like it very much.

There are also those who are currently suffering in the very midst of winter in their lives.

This song, which expresses the determination to keep going while believing that warm spring will come, overflows with the anticipation of the spring that will eventually arrive.

What’s more, although the melody and chord progression of this piece by the master Michel Legrand sound very natural at first listen, it is actually quite a complex composition.