American pianist whose delicate harmony and touch, influenced by Debussy and Ravel, transformed piano playing in modern jazz. He also took part in Miles Davis's Kind of Blue.
Recommended recordings
So What (Miles Davis) (1959, Kind of Blue (Miles Davis) / Columbia): Took part as pianist in the Miles Davis Sextet. His soft piano sound shaped the quiet atmosphere of the album.
Autumn Leaves (Joseph Kosma) (1959, Portrait in Jazz / Riverside): Trio with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian. A recording that established the interplay trio, in which the three players weave together as equals.