The Big Love – Life and Death with Bill Evans

" I simply couldn't put your book down. Not only did I finally get the opportunity to learn about Bill the person, but I also was able to enjoy the pleasant experience of getting to know all about you throughout this exceptionally well written book. Thank you so much for letting us all experience and share your remarkable journey. I met Bill in the past several times, on the West coast and at the University of Illinois (when I was a playing with a big band and Bill was the guest artist). My wife and I have had lunch with Nenette and Maxine, and even had Evan stay overnight with us once. Your book, however, exposed a very human side of Bill that I had always wondered about. You might be aware that I have a transcription featured in 'How My Heart Sings' written by the late Peter Pettinger, so that book will always have a special place in my heart. The Big Love now shares that spot. Be sure to send a copy to Clint Eastwood. This seems to have screenplay written all over it." Art Tofanelli ~ Jazz musician ***

”I just had to write to let you know your book arrived on Friday (with the print - thank-you so much!), everything in perfect condition and me with a full Friday night and Saturday preventing me from cracking open the cover. This morning I found a couple of hours to tumble into your world. Thank you for sharing such vivid memories of that incredible, period of yours and Bill Evans' lives. The joy you felt comes through so clearly but you also communicate the fears, and melancholy times so well that at times, while reading, I could have sworn I was sitting across the table from you in a New York coffee shop listening while it was all happening. Clearly, your spiritual view of life was part of what got you through the difficult times, but it sounds like it was a magical adventure that must have been inspiring for the emotion, the places, and the people. What a growing experience! As an Edmontonian, I got a real charge out of your mention of people and places close to home. And the descriptions with sights, sounds, and smells - well done! You really painted the scenes into life! Thanks again for sharing those times, the good and the not-so-good, and letting me in on the roller coaster ride of those 18 months. I will treasure the book and print always. I wish the best of luck to you and that the book gets recognition as an important piece of the puzzle that was Bill Evans”. Bob ***

" Wow.... I'm reading this gripping tale.... imagination stirred with every story and incident.. a coming of age.... in the 70's.. I was already of age by then in chronological terms only.! I do feel like a fly on the wall... but an illuminated fly at that ... and I've only got to pp 30 something..Reading on.... a strikingly honest dialoge." Charles Austin ~ Jazz Musician, Edmonton ***

“ I'm in the middle of your book Laurie...aching. If this becomes a movie ...how the music score builds and evolves through it would be a dream job for a musician. It starts out in a very staccato like fashion, which I wasn't sure of at first, but now see where it was heading and now it's moving in to a cross between "sturm and drang” and heady romance “. Davida Kidd ~ Artist ***

“Wow, Laurie. Read your book in a night :); Anais Nin meets Jack Kerouac.... What a coming of age tale.....Thank you for sharing this BIG LOVE with the world.” Shannon Rosnau ~ Life Coach Sunshine Coast ***

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