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Point and counter points on the ‘who wrote Nardis’ argument

One of the most popular pages on MusicSavvy.com is the post I wrote a while back called “Who Really Wrote Nardis.“

That article came from several discussions with Richie Beirach who is a passionate believer that Bill Evans wrote Nardis. End of story.

I thought it would interesting to use Jazz Chat to pull out the main points on both sides of the argument. Read the original article for the more technical points made by Richie, but these are the two sides as distilled by Jazz Chat.

Bill Evans side:
“Impossible! Miles didn’t write it. ‘Nardis’ is not his style. It’s a gorgeous composition with depth. It’s got a 32-bar structure and stunning changes. That’s Bill. Miles was brilliant, but not a composer of this caliber!”

Miles Davis’ Side:
“But he is credited everywhere! And Miles was the mastermind in the studio. He directed the session. He insisted ‘Nardis’ be recorded. That speaks to its provenance.”

Bill Evans side:
“Look at Bill’s catalog. Masterpieces — ‘Waltz for Debby,’ ‘Time Remembered.’ ‘Nardis’ sits perfectly there. Miles, he approached tunes differently, more like sketches. Not fully fleshed-out compositions like ‘Nardis.’ It’s clearly Bill’s handiwork, a pianist’s tune!”

Miles Davis’ Side:
“You have no proof! It’s all speculation. Miles never backed down from claiming what was his. His albums feature what he wanted, what he crafted.”

Bill Evans side:
“Miles never recorded ‘Nardis’. Isn’t that odd? A tune that great, yet absent from his discography? If he wrote it, where’s his take? Bill always performed it. His intros and versions are legendary!”

Miles Davis’ Side:
“Without hard evidence, Miles’ credit must stand. It’s been challenged before, yet not reversed. His influence in those sessions can’t be understated. It’s possible he gave life to the piece in ways beyond writing.”

Bill Evans side:
“‘Nardis’ remains a testament to Bill’s artistry. Listen to how he played it! The tune evolves through him, speaks his language. It’s an artist’s fingerprint upon a masterpiece. Miles acknowledged Bill’s genius when he hired him — that says it all .”

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