Bill Evans /Jim Hall Tribute

The legendary collaboration between Evans and Hall remains a masterclass in intimate, conversational chamber jazz. Captured on their seminal recordings, Undercurrent (1962) and Intermodulation (1966), their music unfolds as a weightless, impressionistic dialogue between two remarkable artists.

Despite the potential for harmonic overlap between piano and guitar, Evans’ intricate, richly textured voicings and Hall’s subtle, spacious, and lyrical approach blend with extraordinary sensitivity. Together, they transform familiar jazz standards into deeply reflective, emotionally resonant musical conversations, guided by restraint, mutual listening, and a philosophy of “not a single note wasted.”

Join Lisa, Rick, Paul, and John for an evening honoring the artistry, elegance, and enduring musical legacy of these two jazz masters.

Rick Strauss is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and founding member of the legendary jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra. He contributed to the group’s platinum-selling album Morning Dance and has performed with celebrated artists including Dave Brubeck, Dianne Reeves, and Don Menza, as well as the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonic orchestras.

Rick has released two albums featuring his original compositions. His debut, Jump Start, reached No. 20 on the Billboard jazz chart, while his second album, Body Lines, earned significant recognition on national jazz radio charts.

In 2026, Rick was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the region’s musical landscape. Today, Rick continues to compose, record, and perform through his creative home, SkyLightStudio1 LLC. His musical pursuits include collaborations with regional big bands, musical theater productions, and intimate small-group performances.